STATEMENT BY PHILIP T. REEKER, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN

AUGUST 2, 2000: THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IRAQI INVASION OF KUWAIT

Today, August 2, 2000, marks the tenth anniversary of the brutal invasion of Kuwait by the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein. Ten years ago, the world watched as Iraq carried out unprovoked aggression against a neighboring Arab nation. During the invasion and subsequent occupation of Kuwait, Saddam's regime perpetrated systematic atrocities against the Kuwaiti people, as Iraqi troops looted Kuwaiti museums, businesses, and homes, pillaged its industries, ravaged its environment, and took thousands of its residents hostage. Today, some 600 Kuwaiti citizens who were taken from their homes remain the prisoners of Saddam Hussein. It is now ten long years since their families and loved ones have had any word of their fate.

The world responded to Saddam Hussein's invasion with unity and resolve. The United Nations Security Council voted to impose an embargo on trade with Iraq. More than twenty nations, including Arab states, committed troops or other resources to deter further aggression by the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. The United Nations declared that the occupation of Kuwait must not stand. Given no other choice, the international community assembled a coalition that liberated Kuwait several months later.

Today, Iraq under Saddam Hussein refuses to cooperate with the United Nations or comply with the requirements set by the international community in Security Council resolutions. Iraq remains a threat, but its ability to threaten its neighbors and commit atrocities against its own people is held in check by the efforts of the United Nations and the international community. The United States has consistently supported international efforts to ensure Iraq's compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and international norms. We continue to deny Saddam Hussein the resources and materials he needs to reconstitute his weapons of mass destruction and long-range ballistic missile programs.

At the same time, through the oil-for-food program we are providing food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people in spite of the regime's attempts to obstruct this assistance. Under the Iraq Liberation Act, we are working with representatives of the Iraqi opposition to bring about a change of regime in Iraq and the establishment of a representative, democratic Iraqi government that is responsive to the needs of its people and willing to live in peace with its neighbors. We are also working to hold Saddam Hussein and his top associates accountable for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Kuwait and elsewhere.

We look forward to the day when Iraq has accepted its international obligations and can return as a full participant and partner in the international community. Until that day, the United States and the international community must be vigilant in denying Saddam Hussein the ability to commit further atrocities against his neighbors and the Iraqi people.