THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary
_____________________________________________________
________________ For Immediate Release June 26, 1993
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN ADDRESS TO THE
NATION The Oval Office 7:40 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: 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 two Iraq 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 p.m. 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 combat 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.
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