Administration of George Bush, 1991 / May 14

Statement on Chemical Weapons May 13, 1991

The has once again raised the propose that all states follow suit. Further, specter of chemical weapons and dem- the unconditionally commits onstrated that unscrupulous regimes can itself to the destruction of all our stocks and will threaten innocent populations with of chemical weapons within 10 years of these weapons of terror so long as we per- entry into force and will propose that all mit them to exist. These stark events renew other states do likewise. We will offer tech- and reinforce my conviction, shared by re- nical assistance to others to do this effi- sponsible leaders around the world, that ciently and safely. chemical weapons must be banned—every- In addition, we will call for setting a target where in the world. date to conclude the convention and rec- The world’s best hope for this goal is ommend the Conference stay in continuous the chemical weapons convention now session if necessary to meet the target. The being negotiated by the Conference on Dis- United States also will propose new and armament in Geneva. The United States effective verification measures for inspect- is committed to the early, successful com- ing sites suspected of producing or storing pletion of this convention, and I am today chemical weapons. To provide tangible ben- announcing a number of steps we will take efits for those states that join the convention to accelerate the negotiations and achieve and significant penalties for those that fail an effective chemical weapons ban as soon to support it, the United States will propose as possible. I hope this initiative also will the convention require parties to refuse to spur other nations to commit themselves trade in chemical weapon-related materials equally to this critical objective. with states that do not join in the conven- I have instructed the United States nego- tion. The United States reaffirms that we tiating team in Geneva to implement my will impose all appropriate sanctions in re- decisions at the next session which begins sponse to violations of the convention, espe- May 14. To demonstrate the United States cially the use of chemical weapons. commitment to banning chemical weapons, These steps can move the world signifi- we are formally forswearing the use of cantly closer to the goal of a world free chemical weapons for any reason, including of chemical weapons. I call upon all other retaliation, against any state, effective when nations to join us in the serious and cooper- the convention enters into force, and will ative pursuit of this important goal.

Remarks Announcing the Nomination of M. Gates To Be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and a News Conference May 14, 1991

The President. Well, I’m pleased to nomi- professionalism, dedication, and integrity nate Robert Gates to be the Director of that I’m asking the Senate to approve his Central Intelligence. As most of you know, nomination to be the next Director. Bob Gates has served as deputy national He follows in the distinguished footsteps security adviser for the last two and a half of Bill Webster. And I know that Bob will years. And before that, he dedicated more maintain a strong and responsive Central than 20 years to the service of the CIA Intelligence Agency that will provide the and the important task that it performs for kind of intelligence America needs to main- our country. It’s with this background of tain its role as leader of the free world.

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