[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
[January 25, 1991]
[Pages 62-63]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks to Arab-American Leaders
January 25, 1991

    Normally I don't have much to say at these meetings with the press.
We do that in the press room. But I do want to thank you all for coming. 
I'm anxious to hear what you've discussed with Governor Sununu.
    But I want to take this opportunity to tell you something that 
bothers me because I've heard from some and then I've read accounts that 
suggest Arab-Americans in this country, because of the conflict abroad, 
are being discriminated against, and it's causing pain in families in 
this country. And there is no room for discrimination against anybody in 
the United States of America. And I want you to suggest to me if there 
are things that I can do as President to get that message out loud and 
clear to every Arab-American; whether he agrees with me on this war or 
not is unimportant.
    The message is: There is no place for discrimination in the United 
States of America. And if there's anybody in the communities

[[Page 63]]

around this country that are being hurt by it, we have got to come 
together and do everything we can to see that it doesn't go on.
    And secondly, on the war, I know there may be some divisions of one 
kind or another; that's fine. But it is going well, and I am more 
determined than ever to bring this to a successful conclusion. And the 
coalition is working very well, holding together with great strength and 
great conviction. And I want to tell you a little more about that now 
when we get into the substance of our meeting here.
    But, again, thank you all for coming. Many thanks for coming back. 
I'm glad to have you here always.

                    Note: The President spoke at 10:32 a.m. in the 
                        Cabinet Room at the White House. In his remarks, 
                        he referred to John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to 
                        the President. A tape was not available for 
                        verification of the content of these remarks.