    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [October 15, 1994]
    [Pages 1768-1769]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    October 15, 1994

        Good morning. I want to begin by expressing my profound shock and
    abhorrence at the death of Corporal Nahshon Waxman as a result of his
    kidnaping by Hamas terrorists.
        On behalf of the American people, Hillary and I want to convey our
    deepest sympathy to the Waxman family and to the people of Israel at
    this dark moment. Nahshon Waxman was a son of Israel, but he was also a
    son of America.
        Terrorists must know that these acts will not defeat the process
    that is bringing peace to Israel and her Arab neighbors. In the face of
    such cowardly and evil actions, I know it's hard to go forward. But we
    owe it to all those who have paid such a heavy price to persist and
    finally to prevail in the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.
        Our efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace in the Middle East are
    part of an overall strategy to enhance American security and broaden
    American opportunities in the post-cold-war world by promoting
    democracy, increasing trade, and reducing the threat of terror, chaos,
    and weapons of mass destruction.
        We're making progress on all fronts. The United States and Russian
    missiles are no longer targeted at each other. We're expanding trade
    through NAFTA, the GATT world trade agreement, a new agreement with
    Japan. This means more jobs for Americans and less tensions with other
    countries. And we have to be encouraged by the recent successes of
    democracy or peace efforts in the Middle East, in Northern Ireland, and
    of course in South Africa.
        Today I want to talk with you about Haiti and Iraq. In Haiti this
    week, we've helped to restore the democratic government of President
    Aristide after 3 years of brutal military rule. In the Persian Gulf, our
    resolve in the face of Iraq's provocative actions is preserving security
    in that vital region.
        Even as I speak with you this morning, Haiti's first democratically
    elected President is flying home to resume his rightful place at the
    helm of his country. President Aristide's return marks the end of one
    leg of a long and difficult journey and the start of a new era of hope
    for the Haitian people.
        They've come a long way since a military coup toppled the democratic
    government in 1991. For 3 years, the international community, led by the
    United States, tried diplomacy and economic sanctions to force the
    brutal military regime from power. They were unwilling to yield. Four
    weeks ago, faced with an imminent United States-led invasion authorized
    by the United Nations, the military regime finally agreed to peacefully
    give up power. Since then our troops, together with those of our
    coalition partners, have done a remarkable job in moving Haiti from fear
    to freedom.
        President Aristide returns today to a more stable, less violent
    nation. The Parliament is once again open for business. And in the best
    sign that democracy is taking hold, thousands

    [[Page 1769]]

    of refugees are returning from Guantanamo. But let me say, dangers still
    remain. We know that. Still, thanks to the men and women of our Armed
    Forces and the brilliant work they have done in Haiti, democracy is back
    on track.
        Now the difficult job of rebuilding Haiti must begin. Countries from
    around the world have pledged to do their part, starting with a $550
    million recovery and reconstruction program. In the end, though, only
    the Haitian people can do the job of rebuilding their country. It will
    be a clearly difficult task. But the people of Haiti have survived
    decades of violence and terror and poverty with dignity, pride, and
    hope. And now they have an opportunity to make democracy work for
    themselves and to reach their God-given potential.
        Our troops have helped to give them the chance to do so, just as
    they are also giving the people of Kuwait the confidence that they can
    live in peace. It was less than 4 years ago that the men and women of
    Operation Desert Storm drove Saddam Hussein's troops out of Kuwait. This
    time we are determined not to let Iraq violate its neighbors' borders or
    to create new instability in the Gulf region. That is why in the face of
    Iraq's threatening troop movements on the Kuwaiti border last week, I
    ordered our troops, ships, and attack aircraft to the Gulf. Our policy
    is clear: We will not allow Iraq to threaten its neighbors or to
    intimidate the United Nations as it ensures that Iraq never again
    possesses weapons of mass destruction.
        Much of the force that Iraq sent to the border has retreated. But
    significant elements still remain within striking distance of Kuwait.
    We're watching this situation very carefully and continuing with the
    deployment of our own forces. They will remain in the area and on alert
    until we are absolutely satisfied that Iraq no longer poses threats to
    Kuwait.
        At the same time, we're working to ensure that Iraq does not
    threaten its neighbors or the United Nations weapons inspectors in the
    future. We're seeking support in the U.N. Security Council for a strong
    resolution that would prevent renewed provocations by Iraq.
        I share the pride of every American in the men and women of our
    Armed Forces. In both the Western Hemisphere and on the edge of the
    Persian Gulf, they have answered the call of duty. They have performed
    difficult tasks with great skill and devotion. They have shown again
    that the American military remains the finest in the world. And thanks
    to their effort, the world now knows again that the United States will
    honor its commitments, just as we expect others to honor the commitments
    they make to us.
        Thanks for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 5:16 p.m. on October 14 in the
    Roosevelt Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on October
    15.