[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
[May 24, 1991]
[Pages 555-556]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Exchange With Reporters on the Assassination of Former Prime Minister 
Rajiv Gandhi of India
May 24, 1991

    The President. Well, may I pay my respects to all the Embassy staff, 
too, and thank you very much for coming out to pay honor to this--we 
feel this very strongly, your loss.
    Q. Mr. President, how confident are you that Indian democracy will 
pass through this crisis?
    The President. India's democracy is strong, steadfast, and it has 
the full support of our country. It always has, and it always will. And 
this is a terrible tragedy. It tests the souls of India, and it trys the 
hearts of all of us. But I fear not for India's democracy.
    Q. Mr. President, are you worried about----
    The President. I really must go on.
    Q. Are you worried about the sectarian violence and really just 
wanted to----

[[Page 556]]

    The President. Well, I hope that India will cope. They always try to 
do that. There are people that feel passionately about this, but this is 
no time for more violence. This is a time for calm, for peaceful 
resolution to differences. And if anybody ever stood for that, it was 
Rajiv Gandhi and his family.
    Q. Do you have a small message for the Indian people?
    The President. No. The United States will deal with the Indian 
Government with respect and quality. And so, I have no worries about 
that at all.
    Q. What did you write on the book?
    Q. Any message for the Indian people?
    The President. Well, I tried to express my sentiments there. And I'm 
sure the Ambassador will share it with you.
    Thank you.
    Q. Do you ever worry about the possibility of a terrorist attack 
against yourself?
    The President. No, I never worry about that. See you all.

                    Note: The President spoke at 8:40 a.m. at the Indian 
                        Embassy. In his remarks, he referred to Abid 
                        Hussain, Indian Ambassador to the United States.