[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
[February 26, 1991]
[Page 176]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Address to the Nation on the Iraqi Statement on Withdrawal From Kuwait
February 26, 1991

    I have a brief statement to make today. Saddam's most recent speech
is an outrage. He is not withdrawing. His defeated forces are 
retreating. He is trying to claim victory in the midst of a rout, and he 
is not voluntarily giving up Kuwait. He is trying to save the remnants 
of power and control in the Middle East by every means possible. And 
here, too, Saddam Hussein will fail.
    Saddam is not interested in peace but only to regroup and fight 
another day. And he does not renounce Iraq's claim to Kuwait. To the 
contrary, he makes clear that Iraq continues to claim Kuwait. Nor is 
there any evidence of remorse for Iraq's aggression or any indication 
that Saddam is prepared to accept the responsibility for the awful 
consequences of that aggression.
    He still does not accept U.N. Security Council resolutions or the 
coalition terms of February 22, including the release of our POW's, all 
POW's, third-country detainees, and an end to the pathological 
destruction of Kuwait. The coalition will therefore continue to 
prosecute the war with undiminished intensity.
    As we announced last night, we will not attack unarmed soldiers in 
retreat. We have no choice but to consider retreating combat units as a 
threat and respond accordingly. Anything else would risk additional 
United States and coalition casualties.
    The best way to avoid further casualties on both sides is for the 
Iraqi soldiers to lay down their arms as nearly 30,000 Iraqis already 
have. It is time for all Iraqi forces in the theater of operation, those 
occupying Kuwait, those supporting the occupation of Kuwait, to lay down 
their arms. And that will stop the bloodshed.
    From the beginning of the air operation nearly 6 weeks ago, I have 
said that our efforts are on course and on schedule. This morning I am 
very pleased to say that coalition efforts are ahead of schedule. The 
liberation of Kuwait is close at hand.
    And let me just add that I share the pride of all of the American 
people in the magnificent heroic performance of our Armed Forces. May 
God bless them and keep them.

                    Note: President Bush spoke at 9:48 a.m. from the 
                        Rose Garden at the White House. In his address, 
                        he referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. 
                        The address was broadcast live on nationwide 
                        radio and television.