[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[December 17, 1992]
[Page 2197]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks Prior to Discussions With Ambassador Saud Nasir Al-Sabah of 
Kuwait
December 17, 1992

    The President. I don't think anybody has been more steadfast in 
their support of a common purpose than you have, and I am very grateful 
to you. And I hope you'll pay my respects, when you go home, to His 
Majesty.
    But I want to take this opportunity to thank you all. During that 
Desert Storm you stayed in close touch, and you just did a dramatic and 
wonderful job for the coalition. And we're going to miss you, darn it.
    But best of luck back there.
    Q. Going to Somalia?
    Q. Mr. President, are you going to Somalia for Christmas?
    Ambassador Al-Sabah. I wanted to say a few words to express on 
behalf of His Highness the Amir and my government and the people of 
Kuwait our deep sense of gratitude for your support, your leadership, 
and the liberation of Kuwait. And our relationship with the United 
States, I assure you, will remain steadfast, strong as you like it to 
be.
    And I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, Mr. President, 
and tell you the Kuwaiti people hold you in deep respect for your role 
here. And we're all looking forward to seeing you in Kuwait as soon as 
your time allows it, Mr. President.
    The President. Well, someday I want to do that, I tell you. I really 
do. It's a wonderful, wonderful invitation.
    Q. Will we see you in Somalia soon, Mr. President?
    The President. Maybe some of these fellows don't understand that 
under our new policy that's been in effect now for 2 months, that we 
have a more rigid policy than we used to. You've been in here many 
times. But under the new policy, I don't take questions at these, 
essentially what are photo opportunities. And so I just simply cannot--I 
understand their interest in whether I might travel someplace, but of 
course you're welcome to say anything you want.
    Q. Are you going?
    Q. May we request a news conference then, sir?
    The President. We've had 235 news conferences. Isn't that enough?
    Thank you all very much.
    Q. You mean, you won't answer the question of whether you're 
considering?
    The President. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
    Q. I hope you----
    The President. We will, we will. We're having the family coming here 
soon and everything.

                    Note: The President spoke at 9:30 a.m. in the Oval 
                        Office at the White House.