[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[January 15, 1993]
[Page 2254]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks and an Exchange With Reporters on the Situation in Iraq
January 15, 1993

    The President. I have a brief statement that I want to make before 
heading up to Camp David. It relates to Iraq. And I just wanted to let 
you know that we continue to monitor Iraq's behavior for compliance with 
the United Nations resolutions.
    Yesterday's mission was a success. It seriously depleted Iraq's air 
defense system, the one south of the 32d parallel. And nevertheless, we 
continue to examine the residual aspects of that mission.
    In addition, we continue to demand access by United Nations aircraft 
for inspections in Iraq. And the United Nations has made it clear to the 
Iraqis that the United Nations inspection teams are prepared to resume 
their work and have the right to fly U.N. aircraft into that country at 
any time. The flight scheduled for today did not receive clearance to 
enter Iraqi airspace. And the United Nations has informed Saddam Hussein 
that if flight clearance is not granted by 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time 
today, Iraq will be in noncompliance. And the coalition partners are 
firm in demanding compliance with United Nations resolutions.
    Q. Does that mean you would bomb again?
    The President. Helen [Helen Thomas, United Press International], 
you've been covering things around here ever since I've been President, 
and I'll never say what we do do or don't do in terms of compelling 
compliance.
    Q. But you don't intend to give any further warnings, is that 
correct?
    The President. I think sufficient warnings have been granted. And 
they know what they must do. And this is not just the United States. 
This is the United Nations. It's a strong coalition whose determination 
has not diminished in any single way.
    So, we'll see you all.

                    Note: The President spoke at 12:35 p.m. on the South 
                        Lawn at the White House prior to his departure 
                        for Camp David, MD.