[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 42 (Monday, October 24, 1994)]
[Pages 2040-2041]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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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 
kidnapping 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, our peace efforts in the Middle East, in North 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 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

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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.