[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 2 (Monday, January 18, 1993)]
[Pages 46-47]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks 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. And the

[[Page 47]]

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 for--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 departure for Camp David, MD.