    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [June 29, 1993]
    [Pages 954-958]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 954]]

    The President's News Conference With President Carlos Saul Menem of
    Argentina
    June 29, 1993

        President Clinton. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Today I
    have the great honor of welcoming President Carlos Menem of Argentina to
    the White House, the first leader of a Latin American state to visit
    here since I took office.
        Under President Menem's administration, Argentina has become an
    international leader on the great issues of the post-cold-war era, a
    leader in this hemisphere in defense of democracy and human rights, a
    trusted and valued partner and friend of the United States. Together we
    are constructing a Western Hemisphere community of democracies,
    interpreted by common political values and growing economic ties. We
    deeply appreciate President Menem's visit today. He represents a new
    generation of Latin American Presidents committed to expanding freedom,
    strengthening democracy, and creating prosperity. His leadership has
    been bold and his accomplishments truly impressive.
        We talked today about Argentina's democratic reforms and the role
    Argentina has assumed as an international leader. Today, Argentine
    troops serve with the United Nations peacekeepers in Croatia, in Kuwait,
    in Mozambique, and in other troubled lands. In the Organization of
    American States, Argentina consistently takes a strong stand in favor of
    collective defenses of democracy. With Argentina's support, the OAS has
    worked to defend democratic institutions in Peru, reverse the coup in
    Guatemala. And I am confident, together we can restore democracy in
    Haiti, a subject we discussed at great length today.
        Argentina has also confronted crises of recession and hyperinflation
    and has overcome both. Argentina slashed its tariffs and opened its
    economy to world markets. It ended its fiscal deficit and created a
    stable currency. It sold state enterprises and attracted new investment.
    And as a result, last year Argentina's economy grew 9 percent. I asked
    him for a few of those points for America today. That was one of the
    unresolved parts of our discussion. [Laughter]
        Once Congress successfully ratifies the North American Free Trade
    Agreement with Mexico and with Canada, we will want to reduce trade
    barriers with other countries in this hemisphere. Freer trade promotes
    the kind of economic and democratic reforms we see in Argentina. It
    clearly benefits our economy as well as that of our neighbors. As I said
    earlier today, in the last 4 years our trade with Argentina has tripled,
    accounting for 40,000 jobs in the United States.
        Our meeting covered some other areas as well. Argentina's Government
    has been an important voice in calling for a successful conclusion of
    the Uruguay round to open the world trading system. Argentina stands
    among the nations leading the effort to confront the overriding
    challenge of stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
    President Menem himself ended a dangerous ballistic missile program,
    signed important nuclear nonproliferation agreements, placed strong
    controls on the export of sensitive weapons-related materials and
    technology, and helped to lead the successful international effort to
    negotiate the Chemical Weapons Convention.
        Argentina has been in the forefront of initiatives to increase the
    dialog on security issues in its region. Its progress and support for
    democracy are two reasons why this hemisphere today is more secure and
    more prosperous today than it was in the past and why it will show the
    way to a better world tomorrow.
        Again, let me say it is an honor for me to welcome the President,
    whom I admire, whose accomplishments we respect, and whose country will
    be a great partner for the United States in the years ahead.
        Mr. President.
        President Menem. Thank you very much, Mr. President. I would like to
    tell you of my gratitude that is sincere and loyal in the name of my
    country and of my government for your words. They are the result of a
    complete knowledge of what is happening in Argentina, in this continent,
    and in the world.
        You may be absolutely sure that Argentina will continue along this
    road. There is absolutely no possibility of any change in Argentine
    policies in the field of economics and in the social fields. I always
    say this is a road that we cannot walk backwards on, and these are the
    results we are

    [[Page 955]]

    obtaining. If I would have to explain here the achievements obtained, I
    would have to repeat the same words that you have used, Mr. President,
    and this would not perhaps be very much in order. But we have talked in
    an environment of cordiality and affection. We have discussed our
    relations that are now at their best level ever. We are prepared to
    improve on them, and I have told the President of the United States that
    in Argentina he will find a firm and determined ally. And we consider
    the United States a great ally for Argentina.
        Within this framework we have discussed subjects that are related to
    the consolidation of democracy and freedom, not only within this
    continent, the issues related to Guatemala, Haiti, Cuba and Peru, but we
    have also discussed the absolute need for democracy, freedom, the
    respect of human rights, and all issues related to the environment
    should become reality in all of this world. We would like to see
    disappear wherever possible that terrible scourge of war, of any kind of
    discrimination, international terrorism, drug trafficking. We have not
    restricted our conversations to a preestablished agenda. We have
    extended our talks even further.
        It is always good to come to the United States of America. I believe
    it is also good to go to Argentina, and that is why I have invited the
    President to visit us, because valuable experiences are awaiting in
    Argentina and this will allow us to make our links even stronger, the
    links that are joining Argentina to the United States.
        Mr. President, once again, thank you very much. Thank you for your
    gift. He gave me as a gift a basketball signed by all the members of the
    Chicago Bulls. So, thank you.

    Iraq

        Q. Mr. President, I'd like to ask you about the bombing. Could the
    assassination plot against former President Bush have moved forward
    without the approval of Saddam Hussein? And why did the United States
    not try to hit closer to home for Saddam Hussein, perhaps his
    headquarters?
        President Clinton. We believe the evidence clearly indicates that
    the bombing operation was authorized by the Iraqi Government. And it is
    highly unusual, in the experience of our people--let me recast that--our
    analysts have no experience of such an operation of that magnitude being
    authorized other than at the highest levels. However, it was thought
    that under international law and based on the facts of this particular
    case, that the best possible target was the target of the intelligence
    headquarters where in all probability the operation itself was planned
    and that to damage that headquarters significantly would send the
    appropriate message, given the facts of this case.
        Q. But in your mind--[inaudible]--did you think Saddam Hussein
    signed off on this?
        President Clinton. I have given you the only answer I think it's
    appropriate for me to give you.
        Q. Mr. President, what do you think you accomplished with the
    bombing of Iraq and the loss of innocent lives, the destruction?
        President Clinton. First of all, we damaged their major intelligence
    facility quite severely. Secondly, we made it absolutely clear that we
    will not tolerate acts of terrorism or other illegal and dangerous acts.
    I think it sent a very important message.
        Q. We understand there's been an incident over the no-fly zone in
    southern Iraq today. A U.S. F-4G Wild Weasel launched a HARM missile
    against an Iraqi radar installation. What can you tell us about that
    incident, and secondly, what does it suggest to you that it comes at a
    time when the Iraqis are still threatening retaliation for the weekend
    bombing?
        President Clinton. The standard rules of engagement for flights in
    that region are that if radar locks onto our airplanes, our airplanes
    are authorized to take action against those installations. So this has
    happened a number of times, and based on the facts that I now have, I
    wouldn't read too much into it. It's part of the standard rules of
    engagement.
        Q. You said during the transition that you could conceive of a
    situation where we could have normal relations with Iraq with Saddam
    Hussein still in power. Given what's occurred, how would you now frame
    your position on this issue?
        President Clinton. What I said or at least tried to say in the
    transition was that I thought we ought to judge every country based on
    its conduct. And based on its conduct, I think that the possibility of
    normal relations is very difficult to conceive, not just in this
    instance but also in the stubborn refusal of Iraq to comply with the
    United Nations resolutions.
        Q. Mr. President, just now you said that the strike had damaged the
    intelligence facility. Yes-

    [[Page 956]]

    terday you said it had crippled the intelligence facility.
        President Clinton. I think it did cripple the intelligence facility.
    At least the reports that I received from the intelligence services was
    that 15 of the missiles had hit within just a few feet of where they
    were exactly programmed, and based on what they knew of the potential
    for destruction of those missiles, that the facility had been crippled.
    Those were the exact words I got from the people who briefed me about
    it.
        Q. Was it possible that you were not briefed correctly, because
    Pentagon officials were saying that Saddam has multiple intelligence
    facilities and that this was one of three or four and that, in fact, he
    would be operational without this facility, and especially because he
    relies so heavily on human intelligence and none of the people were
    involved----
        President Clinton. Well, I didn't mean that they wouldn't have any
    more intelligence. But I do think the building and whatever resources
    are in that building, which is plainly the main building, was severely
    damaged, and that's what our intelligence people told me.
        Is there anyone here from Argentina? Yes, a little equal opportunity
    here.

    Terrorism

        Q. President Clinton, did President Menem offer you a specific help
    to combat terrorism? And do you think you have to put more guards on
    President Menem because there was going to be a plot or something like
    that from the Arabs?
        President Clinton. Well, we try to always provide appropriate
    security to world leaders who come here. President Menem--perhaps I
    should let him speak to this--but he was very supportive of the action
    we took in Iraq and very determined that we ought to stand together with
    other civilized nations against terrorism everywhere.
        President Menem. With more security I would have felt uncomfortable
    in the United States. I have a very special philosophy in life: Nobody
    will die the day before his preestablished date. And I rely and trust
    fully in God. He brought us to this world, and He is to decide the day
    we leave this world. With a great amount of security around a head of
    state in general, any terrorist activity may be successful. That is why
    terrorism has to be fought back without any kind of compassion. They
    lack absolutely any kind of compassion since, when they place a bomb,
    they are prepared to destroy the lives of old people and children.
    Terrorism is now one of the worst scourges of humanity.

    Disarmament and Military Action

        Q. Mr. President, the United States speaks constantly of disarmament
    and world peace, especially after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Your
    Government, through the Embassy in Buenos Aires, has insisted on this
    policy of peace and disarmament. Don't you believe that the United
    States has not given an example to follow this course when bombarding
    Baghdad as a result of this intelligence information?
        President Clinton. No, I disagree. As a matter of fact, the United
    States has been a leader in disarmament. We have signed significant
    agreements with first the Soviet Union and now with Russia trying to
    reduce our nuclear arsenals. We are working very hard to reduce the
    spread of weapons of mass destruction. And I think what we did last
    weekend with regard to Iraq is a clear signal that people ought not to
    use weapons in illegal ways. I would remind you that the action I took
    was in response to an operation that involved a bomb that, had it
    exploded in downtown Kuwait City, had a 400-yard radius of lethal
    destruction. So, I think it was the appropriate thing to do.

    Latin America-U.S. Trade Agreements

        Q. I have a question for you, Mr. Clinton, and another for Mr.
    Menem.
        First, assuming that NAFTA is approved by Congress, when do you
    foresee Argentina, or Chile, for that matter, negotiating an agreement
    with the United States? I'm kind of interested in a timetable. And for
    Mr. Menem, I would like to get more details on that offer you made
    yesterday to negotiate between the United States and Cuba to improve
    relations between the two countries.
        President Clinton. I would be prepared to discuss immediately with
    Argentina, with Chile, with other appropriate nations the possibility of
    expanded trade relations along the NAFTA model. I have long thought that
    NAFTA should be a model for embracing all of Latin America's democracies
    and free market economies. I have no timetable. I think perhaps
    President Menem would have a better view of that, but my attitude is we
    ought to get on with it. We ought

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    to try to increase the volume and the variety of trade with the
    appropriate countries just as quickly as possible.
        President Menem. On this issue, we had already discussed this with
    the President, and I have told him that as a priority so as to be able
    to start formal talks on the access of Argentina or any other country in
    the region to NAFTA, it would be fundamental to finish the NAFTA
    agreement, that on the basis of due legislation this process should come
    to its end. If NAFTA has been passed and enacted during the first months
    of the next year or the 1st of January, only then can we start
    discussing the incorporation of Argentina in NAFTA.
        And at the same time, we must remember that we are going through
    another process of integration within MerCoSur, and we have a commitment
    with the United States in the four-plus-one agreement as to the
    possibility of having a free trade area between these four countries of
    MerCoSur and the United States. This, in the case of coming to
    understanding, will make it possible not only to Argentina joining NAFTA
    but also MerCoSur. As the result of the NAFTA agreement coming to its
    enactment, then the MerCoSur countries could perhaps also be joining
    NAFTA. This is something that should be discussed between the three
    other countries that are members of NAFTA.

    Cuba

        Q. Reuters Agency said yesterday that you were proposing to act as a
    mediator between the United States and Cuba.
        President Menem. As a reply to a question by a journalist when he
    asked if I would be prepared in participating in any kind of
    negotiations between the United States and Cuba, I answered: President
    Bush asked me when we met in Costa Rica for the 100th anniversary of
    democracy, he asked me to stop over in Nicaragua to ask Daniel Ortega to
    respect the results of the elections that were to be held a short time
    after in that country, since doubts existed as to the decision that the
    people of Daniel Ortega's team would take on this issue. I spent more
    than 2 hours discussing the subject with Commander Ortega, and he was
    convinced he would be winning the elections. And finally after 2 hours
    of discussion he said, ``If Mrs. Violeta Chamorro wins the elections, I
    will give her the government.'' And if the United States requests it, I
    am prepared to discuss the issue with Fidel Castro or with whoever it is
    necessary. I would like to see Cuba living in democracy as soon as
    possible.

    Patent Protection and Farm Subsidies

        Q. This is a question for both of you. Have you discussed
    pharmaceutical patents and subsidies in agriculture? President Menem
    first and then President Clinton, please.
        President Menem. We have discussed this, and I have told President
    Clinton what I told Mr. Kantor yesterday. This draft law on patents has
    been introduced through the Senate to the Argentine Parliament, and we
    are expecting that it will be passed soon. But the executive power of
    Argentina has sent this draft law to Parliament.
        And on subsidies, this is a subject we discuss constantly not only
    with the President of the United States but also with the Presidents of
    the European Community countries since they have taken the more
    difficult stand on this issue when they are subsidizing agriculture,
    damaging countries such as Argentina. You must not forget that the
    amount of subsidies is now exceeding $300 billion. It becomes difficult
    to compete under these circumstances. And I always tell the people in
    the United States, the U.S. President, and the Europeans they were the
    masters in free trade and economic freedom. It is not understandable
    that they should insist on these attitudes that go against the teachings
    that they sent to the world at large.
        President Clinton. The answer to your question is, just as President
    Menem said, we discussed the patent protection legislation, and I
    expressed the hope of the United States that it would pass soon by the
    legislative body in Argentina.
        I also, with regard to agricultural subsidies, pointed out that the
    United States had reduced agricultural subsidies unilaterally in 1990,
    that our budget reduces them again this year, and that we strongly
    support the Blair House accords which were reached last year to reduce
    agricultural subsidies in the Uruguay round of GATT, and that we are
    with Argentina on that. Also, having grown up in a farming area, I
    expressed enormous admiration for the fact that Argentina has the
    deepest topsoil anywhere in the world. So, if I were in his position, I
    would be taking exactly the same position. With 20 feet of topsoil he
    can grow anything and do well.
        Yes, one last question, and then we've got

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    to go.

    Iraq

        Q.  Despite what General Powell said, I don't understand why the
    United States went after the facility at night, rather than going after
    the intelligence facility during the daytime when the top people were
    there. And will you take action if the Iraqis go after the Kurds or the
    Shiites?
        President Clinton.  I think we've made it clear to them what our
    position is on the second question you asked. The reason we went at
    night was quite simply that we wanted to make a strong point. We wanted
    to do as much damage to the facility as we could. We wanted to minimize
    the loss of human life because of the nature of what actually happened.
    I think everyone knows what our military is capable of doing. What we
    needed to show them was that we were fully possessed of the will to do
    it under these circumstances. And I think we picked the appropriate
    target, and I think we did it at the appropriate time under these
    circumstances.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President's 18th news conference began at 1:50 p.m. in the
    East Room at the White House. President Menem spoke in Spanish, and his
    remarks were translated by an interpreter.