[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
[June 12, 1991]
[Pages 639-640]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks Prior to Discussions With President Alfredo Cristiani Buckard of 
El Salvador
June 12, 1991



    President Bush. Let me say I am just delighted you're here, and we 
have a lot to talk about when we're alone. But I'll say before we are 
that we support you and what you're trying to do and the courageous 
steps you've taken--the free election process being part of it, of 
course--but what you're trying to do and bring peace there. And I must 
say you have our respect and full support. And let there be no doubt 
about that anywhere, in this country, in Salvador, wherever else it may 
be.
    Reporter. Mr. President are you taking questions from us today?
    President Bush. No questions today if you don't mind.
    Q. Perhaps the President of El Salvador would like to.
    President Bush. Well, if he'd like to answer a question, but he 
knows that he's going to have a press opportunity later on. He knows 
that seldom do I take them here, but he can do it any way he wants. I'm 
not trying to slant----
    Q. Would you talk to us about the status of the investigation into 
the killings of the Jesuits, sir?
    President Cristiani. Afterwards, after we--there will be a press 
conference tomorrow.

[[Page 640]]

    President Bush. I think that's a better, more fair way to handle it 
so others can be there. That's the way we like to do it, too.
    But I commend you on what you're doing in that and many other cases 
there, too--many other moves towards true and open democracy. Let there 
be no--this administration for this President, strong.
    Q. Happy birthday.
    President Bush. It's been a good one so far.
    Q. Will you call on me at your next news conference, sir? I was 
kinder and gentler this time.
    President Bush. You were. I noticed that. We're got to have one 
soon, provided you throw me a slow ball, softball.

[At this point, another group of journalists entered the room.]

    President Bush. May I say to the journalists--I want to repeat what 
I said in front of the last wave, which is that we strongly support this 
President and what he is doing carrying his country inexorably down the 
democratic path. And let there be no doubt about it, he has the full 
support of this administration. He's taken on tough problems, handled 
them with dispatch. Some tough problems remain, but there is no question 
in my mind that this President and his administration merits the full, 
all-out support of the United States.
    And it is not his government that is keeping peace from coming to 
his country that had open and free certified elections, many more times 
than one. And it is the opposition; it is people who think they can use 
the gun to get what they should be willing to fight for at the ballot 
box.
    And so, I'm proud to have President Cristiani at my side. Today 
we've got lots to talk about, so you guys are almost history here--
[laughter]--but thank you for coming. And I don't take questions in the 
Oval Office, as I'm sure most of you know. And I think the President 
will be having a press conference tomorrow some time. But I wanted to 
violate a rule that I have of not making comments because I feel so 
strongly about the need to support the President and the steps he's 
taking there.
    Thank you all, and I hope you feel welcome here in the States.
    Q. Thank you. Happy birthday again.
    President Bush. Oh, thanks. I thought I'd hate it, but so far it's 
been very good.

                    Note: President Bush spoke at 11:07 a.m. in the Oval 
                        Office at the White House. A tape was not 
                        available for verification of the content of 
                        these remarks.