[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
[May 7, 1991]
[Page 483]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on President Bush's Meeting With 
President Francesco Cossiga and Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti of Italy
May 7, 1991

    The President met with Italian President Cossiga and Prime Minister 
Andreotti for about 45 minutes in the Oval Office. The President and the 
two Italian leaders discussed the Middle East, European security issues, 
and Eastern Europe. On the Middle East, they discussed the need for 
continued urgent humanitarian relief for the Kurdish refugees and the 
need to provide security for their prompt and safe return to their 
villages. They underscored the important role of the United Nations in 
taking over and in facilitating the refugee situation.
    President Cossiga and Prime Minister Andreotti stressed the strong 
importance they attach to the Atlantic alliance and the indispensable 
role of the United States in assuring European security. In their 
discussion of East European issues, the three leaders expressed concern 
over growing violence in Yugoslavia. They stressed the importance of 
respect for human rights and democracy but also affirmed their support 
for Yugoslavia's political and territorial integrity. They noted that 
during this volatile period it is important for all sides to practice 
restraint and to work for a peaceful outcome to disputes.