[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
[April 5, 1991]
[Pages 331-332]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Aid to Iraqi Refugees
April 5, 1991

    The human tragedy unfolding in and around Iraq demands immediate 
action on a massive scale. At stake are not only the lives of hundreds 
of thousands of innocent men, women, and children but the peace and 
security of the Gulf.
    Since the beginning of the Gulf war on August 2, the United States 
has contributed more than $35 million for refugees and displaced persons 
in the region. Many other countries have also contributed. It is clear, 
however, that the current tragedy requires a far greater effort. As a 
result, I have directed a major new effort be undertaken to assist Iraqi 
refugees.
    Beginning this Sunday, U.S. Air Force transport planes will fly over 
northern Iraq and drop supplies of food, blankets, clothing, tents, and 
other relief-related items for refugees and other Iraqi civilians 
suffering as a result of the situation there.
    I want to emphasize that this effort is prompted only by 
humanitarian concerns. We expect the Government of Iraq to permit this 
effort to be carried out without any interference.
    I want to add that what we are planning to do is intended as a step-
up in immediate aid, such as is also being provided by the British, the 
French, and other coalition partners. We will be consulting with the 
United Nations on how it can best provide for the many refugees in and 
around Iraq on a longterm basis as necessary. We will

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continue consulting with our coalition partners in this and in other 
efforts designed to alleviate the plight of the many innocent Iraqis 
whose lives have been endangered by the brutal and inhumane actions of 
the Iraqi government.
    I also want to add that this urgent air drop is but one of several 
steps the United States is taking to deal with this terrible situation. 
I will shortly be signing an order that will authorize up to $10 million 
from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund. These funds 
will help meet the needs of the burgeoning refugee population in the 
region. Our military forces in southern Iraq will continue to assist 
refugees and displaced persons. We are also providing considerable 
economic and food assistance to the Government of Turkey, to help it 
sustain the many refugees who have taken refuge there. We are prepared 
as well to deploy a U.S. military medical unit to the border area in 
southern Turkey to meet emergency needs.
    The United States is also concerned about the welfare of those Iraqi 
refugees now fleeing to Iran. We will be communicating, through our 
established channel, to the Government of Iran our willingness to 
encourage and contribute to international organizations carrying out 
relief efforts aiding these individuals.
    In an effort to help innocent people, and especially the children of 
Iraq, we will be donating $869,000 to UNICEF for child immunizations in 
Iraq. We will also be providing a further $131,000 and 1,000 tons of 
food to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In all 
cases, funds and goods provided to international organizations will be 
distributed by the organizations themselves to civilian in Iraq.
    Finally, I have asked Secretary Baker to travel to Turkey, en route 
to the Middle East, to meet with President Ozal and visit the border 
area to assess the refugee situation and report back to me.

                    Note: The statement referred to Secretary of State 
                        James A. Baker III and President Turgut Ozal of 
                        Turkey. Presidential Determinations 91-26 and 
                        91-27 of April 6 concerning assistance to 
                        refugees in the Persian Gulf region were printed 
                        in the ``Federal Register'' of April 23.