[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
[January 21, 1991]
[Pages 54-55]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks on the Persian Gulf Conflict and the Baltic States and an 
Exchange With Reporters
January 21, 1991

    The President. Let me just say a quick word about the brutal
parading of these allied pilots. I was talking to Speaker Foley about 
this coming down, and it is very clear that this is a direct violation 
of every convention that protects prisoners. The International Red 
Cross, I understand, certified to that today.
    In the first place, this is not going to make a difference in the 
prosecution of the war against Saddam. It's not going to make a 
difference. I've said that before. I said that when he brutally held 
hostages that numbered up into the thousands. And it's not going to make 
a difference. But I would make the strongest appeal that these people be 
treated properly and that they be given the treatment that is accorded 
to them under the international conventions--and they are not being. And 
America is angry about this, and I think the rest of the world is, 
because this morning I talked to more of our coalition partners. So, it 
is backfiring. If he thought this brutal treatment of pilots is a way to 
muster world support, he is dead wrong. And I think everybody is upset 
about it.
    Speaker, I won't put words in your mouth, but----
    Speaker Foley. I concur absolutely with what the President said. 
It's a clear violation of the Geneva provisions for the protection of 
prisoners of war, and it will have very, very strong repercussions not 
only throughout the United States but throughout the world if these 
violations continue.
    Q. Mr. President----
    The President. No, I can't do a press conference. I do want to say 
something, though, about the Baltic States. I am increasingly concerned. 
We had a statement on that yesterday. I would again appeal to the Soviet 
Union leaders to resist using force. And we've heard European countries 
speaking out on this now, and the world is very much concerned about 
that as well.
    So, thank you all very much.

Persian Gulf Conflict

    Q. ----war crimes, sir?
    Q. Will he be held accountable, Mr. President? Will he be held 
accountable?
    The President. You can count on it.

[[Page 55]]

                    Note: President Bush spoke at 11:58 a.m. on the 
                        South Lawn at the White House, upon his return 
                        from Camp David, MD. In his remarks, he referred 
                        to Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the House of 
                        Representatives, and President Saddam Hussein of 
                        Iraq. A tape was not available for verification 
                        of the content of these remarks.