[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[August 16, 1992]
[Pages 1361-1362]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks and an Exchange With Reporters on Iraq
August 16, 1992

    The President. Well, there's currently a good deal of speculation 
about potential U.N. inspections and then possible military measures in 
Iraq and alleged political motivations. I'm not going to comment on 
today's speculative stories, except to say I saw quite a few 
inaccuracies.
    From now on, some will accuse us of political opportunism for every 
move I make, and that's unfortunate. But it is not going to deter me 
from doing what is right, regardless of the political fallout. We're 
determined that U.N. Resolution 687 will be fully implemented. Now, this 
requires U.N. teams to inspect and destroy the Iraqi network of weapons 
of mass destruction: nuclear, chemical, biological, and missile.
    I have total confidence in Rolf Ekeus of the United Nations and of 
the U.N. teams who have the responsibility for this mission. Let me make 
clear that what they elect to inspect and when they do these inspections 
is strictly their decision. The U.S. role is to provide support for 
their efforts.
    Saddam Hussein needs to realize that the world will not ignore 
interference with these U.N. requirements. He cannot be allowed to 
dictate what can and cannot be inspected.
    So let me underscore something which I think you all know. As 
President, whatever I decide has immediate consequences. But there will 
be no politics, and I will do what is right for the United States and in 
this case for the rest of the world.
    I just wanted to get that statement out because I've read some ugly 
speculation. Thank you.
    Q. Mr. President, if that leak came from a military source, isn't 
that a breach of security? Are you checking to determine whether that 
did in fact happen?
    The President. Well, again, I don't want to confirm what leak we're 
talking about. But yes, there's been a clear breach of security.
    Q. Mr. Bush, how do you feel about reading what the New York Times 
wrote today?
    The President. Well, I don't like it. But I, unfortunately, have not 
grown accustomed to but am less shocked than I used to be by breaches of 
this nature. But in any event, I don't want to go further into what I 
like or don't like about it. But I must say I was shocked to read all 
this today.
    Q. Mr. President, will you say what the situation is in order to 
clarify?
     The President.  No, I won't, because the U.N. makes these 
decisions. Dr. Ekeus makes these calls. He has our full confidence, and 
what he plans to do next is his business. That is not something that's 
done by the United States.
    Q. Does the U.S. have a plan to strike the Iraqi ministry buildings 
if Saddam Hussein denies access?
     The President.  The United States has plans to be sure that Saddam 
Hussein does what he's supposed to do, and that is to comply with 
Resolution 687 and also 688, which refers to the brutalization of his 
own people.
    Q. Even if he refuses to allow U.N. inspectors in during convention 
week or during the course of the campaign?
     The President.  The campaign and the convention have nothing to do 
with this. This is the national security interests of the United States. 
This is obligations to support the United Nations. So I'm glad you 
raised it, Randall [Randall Pinkston, CBS News]. But I will repeat it: I 
have responsibilities as President and responsibilities as Commander in 
Chief. I will go through with those responsibilities regardless of the 
politics. That is a very important point in all of this, and I hope I 
have demonstrated that enough to earn the trust of the American people 
when it comes to making this kind of decision. I do not make decisions 
involv-

[[Page 1362]]

ing military force lightly. I've been there myself. I know what it's 
like. I don't commit somebody else's son or daughter to battle or to any 
kind of combat unless it is the right thing to do, regardless of 
politics.
    Q. Mr. President, has there been----
    Q. ----Houston convention if there were a problem that demanded your 
attention during the week?
     The President.  If there was a problem that demanded my attention, 
I would. But I'm not sure. I can handle whatever comes up from wherever 
I am. We've got a great system of communications, and I think we 
demonstrated that during the Gulf war.
    Last one.
    Q. Mr. President, you don't seem to be denying this report. Am I 
right?
     The President.  What report?
    Q. The report that was published today in the New York Times.
     The President.  Please repeat it for me, because I've read several 
different--what part of it?
    Q. The part that there is some plan for the United States to sort of 
encourage Saddam Hussein to get involved in some kind of fight. I mean, 
there is some kind of contingency plan----
     The President.  I totally deny that.
    Q. Not picking a fight----
     The President.  I totally deny that we're trying to pick a fight, 
and I totally deny we're trying to pick a fight for political purposes. 
If that was in the report, I really am angry about it. Didn't read it 
that carefully. But is he going to oblige; is he going to follow through 
on these resolutions? I've stood right here and said that over and over 
again, and he has.
    But if this is the argument, I can totally deny that.
    Q. Are they going to go in on Monday, are the bombs----
    The President. It is ugly, and it is uncalled for.
    Q. Are the bombs going to start falling tomorrow? This was in the 
report as well, that something could happen tomorrow.
    The President. I am not going to say what we are or are not going to 
do. Don't believe everything you read in these reports.
    Q. I guess what people just want to know is, is there or is there 
not a game plan for air strikes if there's a problem with Iraq?
    The President. I have said before, all options are open. That's all 
I'll say.
    Q. What about consultations with the allies on a new enforcement 
plan? Have there been those kinds of consultations in recent days?
    The President. We've been in constant touch with our allies, yes.
    Q. Is your speech ready for Thursday night? It's not ready?
    The President. It's not ready, no. [Laughter]

                    Note: The President spoke at 4:45 p.m. on the South 
                        Lawn at the White House upon his arrival from 
                        Camp David, MD. In his remarks, he referred to 
                        Rolf Ekeus, Executive Director, United Nations 
                        Special Commission on Iraq.