[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[June 15, 1992]
[Pages 940-941]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the Supreme Court Decision on 
the Alvarez-Machain Case

June 15, 1992
    With respect to the U.S. Supreme Court decision today on the 
Alvarez-Machain case: The United States understands that international 
cooperation is required to address effectively the threat posed by 
international criminal activity, particularly international terrorism 
and drug trafficking, to the world community. United States policy is to 
work cooperatively with foreign governments to combat that threat.
    The United States also understands the importance to world peace and 
security of a system of international law. The United States strongly 
believes in fostering respect for international rules of law, including 
in particular the principles of respect for territorial integrity and 
sovereign equality of states.
    U.S. policy is to cooperate with foreign states in achieving law 
enforcement objectives. Neither the arrest of Alvarez-Machain nor the 
recent U.S. Supreme Court decision reflects any change in this policy. 
Reflecting this policy, the United States has informed Mexico that 
following the arrest of Alvarez-Machain, the United States has taken 
addi-

[[Page 941]]

tional steps to ensure that U.S. law enforcement activities overseas 
fully take into account foreign relations and international law.