TRANSCRIPT: CLINTON REMARKS UPON DEPARTURE FOR NEW YORK JAN. 15
USIA
USIS Washington File
15 January 1998
TRANSCRIPT: CLINTON REMARKS UPON DEPARTURE FOR NEW YORK JAN. 15
(Comments on tobacco, Herman, Iraq/UNSC statement/Butler) (450)
Washington -- President Clinton, asked upon departure for New York
January 15 what he was "doing about Iraq to put teeth" into the
statement issued by the U.N. Security Council said: "Let me say that
Mr. Butler is going back to Iraq with the strong support of the United
Nations.
"I am very encouraged that even those who had been more sympathetic to
Iraq saw through this totally unacceptable action," Clinton said. "So
now we have to see what happens. He ought to be given access; he's
going back there, he's got the support of the U.N. We're going to
watch this a day at a time and see what happens."
Following is the White House transcript:
(begin transcript)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
January 15, 1998
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT UPON DEPARTURE
The South Lawn
THE PRESIDENT: Before I leave for New York, I want to say a few words
about the disturbing news that a major tobacco company appears to have
targeted children to encourage them to begin smoking. For five years,
we've done everything in our power to protect our children from the
dangers of tobacco. I've called for strong bipartisan legislation to
reduce smoking, especially by young people.
The documents that came to light today show more than ever why it is
absolutely imperative that Congress take action now to get tobacco
companies out of the business of marketing cigarettes to children.
Reducing teen smoking has always been America's bottom line, and
that's this administration's bottom line; now, it should become the
industry's bottom line.
I'm confident that every member of Congress, without regard to party,
who reviews these documents, will resolve to make 1998 the year that
we actually pass comprehensive legislation to protect our children and
the public health. Thank you.
Q: Mr. President, would Alexis Herman take money to peddle influence
in your administration?
THE PRESIDENT: I don't believe that for a minute.
Q: What are you doing about Iraq to put teeth into the statement?
THE PRESIDENT: On Iraq, let me say that Mr. Butler is going back to
Iraq with the strong support of the United Nations. I am very
encouraged that even those who had been more sympathetic to Iraq saw
through this totally unacceptable action. So now we have to see what
happens. He ought to be given access; he's going back there, he's got
the support of the U.N. We're going to watch this a day at a time and
see what happens. Thank you.
(end transcript)