    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [June 26, 1993]
    [Pages 938-939]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Address to the Nation on the Strike on Iraqi Intelligence Headquarters
    June 26, 1993

        My fellow Americans, this evening I want to speak with you about an
    attack by the Government of Iraq against the United States and the
    actions we have just taken to respond.
        This past April, the Kuwaiti Government uncovered what they
    suspected was a car bombing plot to assassinate former President George
    Bush while he was visiting Kuwait City. The Kuwaiti authorities arrested
    16 suspects, including 2 Iraqi nationals. Following those arrests, I
    ordered our own intelligence and law enforcement agencies to conduct a
    thorough and independent investigation. Over the past several weeks,
    officials from those agencies reviewed a range of intelligence
    information, traveled to Kuwait and elsewhere, extensively interviewed
    the suspects, and thoroughly examined the forensic evidence.
        This Thursday, Attorney General Reno and Director of Central
    Intelligence Woolsey gave me their findings. Based on their
    investigation there is compelling evidence that there was, in fact, a
    plot to assassinate former President Bush and that this plot, which
    included the use of a powerful bomb made in Iraq, was directed and
    pursued by the Iraqi intelligence service.
        We should not be surprised by such deeds, coming as they do from a
    regime like Saddam Hussein's, which is ruled by atrocity, slaughtered
    its own people, invaded two neighbors, attacked others, and engaged in
    chemical and environmental warfare. Saddam has repeatedly violated the
    will and conscience of the international community. But this attempt at
    revenge by a tyrant against the leader of the world coalition that
    defeated him in war is particularly loathsome and cowardly. We thank God
    it was unsuccessful. The authorities who foiled it have the appreciation
    of all Americans.
        It is clear that this was no impulsive or random act. It was an
    elaborate plan devised by the Iraqi Government and directed against a
    former President of the United States because of actions he took as
    President. As such, the Iraqi attack against President Bush was an
    attack against our country and against all Americans. We could not and
    have not let such action against our Nation go unanswered.
        From the first days of our Revolution, America's security has
    depended on the clarity of this message: Don't tread on us. A firm and
    commensurate response was essential to protect our sovereignty, to send
    a message to those who engage in state-sponsored terrorism, to deter
    further violence against our people, and to affirm the expectation of
    civilized behavior among nations.

        Therefore, on Friday I ordered our forces to launch a cruise missile
                attack on the Iraqi intelligence service's principal
                command-and-control facility in Baghdad. Those missiles were
                launched this afternoon at 4:22 eastern daylight time. They
                landed approximately an hour ago. I have discussed this
                action with the congressional leadership and with our allies
                and friends in the region. And I have called for an
                emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to
                expose Iraq's crime.

        These actions were directed against the Iraqi Government, which was
    responsible for the assassination plot. Saddam Hussein has demonstrated
    repeatedly that he will resort to terrorism or aggression if left
    unchecked. Our intent was to target Iraq's capacity to support violence
    against the United States and other nations and to deter Saddam Hussein
    from supporting such outlaw behavior in the future. Therefore, we
    directed our action against the facility associated with Iraq's support
    of terrorism, while making every effort to minimize the loss of innocent
    life.
        There should be no mistake about the message we intend these actions
    to convey to Saddam Hussein, to the rest of the Iraqi leadership, and to
    any nation, group, or person who would harm our leaders or our citizens.
    We will com-

    [[Page 939]]

    bat terrorism. We will deter aggression. We will protect our people.
        The world has repeatedly made clear what Iraq must do to return to
    the community of nations. And Iraq has repeatedly refused. If Saddam and
    his regime contemplate further illegal provocative actions, they can be
    certain of our response.
        Let me say to the men and women in our Armed Forces and in our
    intelligence and law enforcement agencies who carried out the
    investigation and our military response: You have my gratitude and the
    gratitude of all Americans. You have performed a difficult mission with
    courage and professionalism.
        Finally, I want to say this to all the American people: While the
    cold war has ended, the world is not free of danger. And I am determined
    to take the steps necessary to keep our Nation secure. We will keep our
    forces ready to fight. We will work to head off emerging threats, and we
    will take action when action is required. That is precisely what we have
    done today.
        Thank you, and God bless America.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:40 p.m. from the Oval Office at the White
    House.