Iranian airbus tragedy

US Department of State Bulletin, Sept, 1988

Conclusion

In closing, the U.S. Government remains committed to the safety of international civil aviation. In particular, we reaffirm our support for the International Civil Aviation Organization and its fundamental objectives of promoting the safety of international civil aviation and ensuring its orderly growth throughout the world. Our cooperation in this investigation will be further evidence of our support for this body.

My government has been in the forefront of leading aviation nations in proposing measures to ensure safety and security in civil aviation, and that commitment will continue. Members of this council know that the United States calls for and expects a great deal on the part of other nations regarding safety precautions for international civil aviation. We will do no less than we request of others.

This council has a long history of careful deliberation and of fairness and wisdom in its judgments. My government trusts that its members, as in past incidents, will reach its conclusions only after all of the facts have been received. We look forward to joining with the other members of this council in a search for solutions to avoid tragic incidents such as the one involving Iran Air #655. In doing so, we can, together, reaffirm the role of ICAO in making air travel safe for all our citizens.

VICE PRESIDENT BUSH, UN SECURITY COUNCIL, JULY 14, 1988

I have come here today to represent the United States, at the request of President Reagan, because of the importance of the issues at stake-not just the terrible human tragedy of Iran Air #655 but the continuing conflict between Iran and Iraq and its implications for international commerce in the Persian Gulf

Having been my country's permanent representative to this body, I know what a grave responsibility the council bears and the good it can do when it acts with realism and wisdom. We are in urgent need of realism and wisdom now.

The Persian Gulf is a region of vital importance to the United States and the economy of the world. American and European forces are in the gulf, with the support of the states of the area, to meet a vital need-to help ensure the unimpeded now of oil and to keep neutral commerce moving in the face of a very real threat to innocent shipping. This is our legal right.

Iranian mines, deliberately sown, have disrupted innocent passage and damaged unarmed merchant vessels and a U.S. naval ship in international waters. Iranian small boat attacks on nonbelligerent merchant ships continue unabated. These actions are in blatant violation of international law. They give the lie to Iran's assertions that it supports freedom of navigation in the gulf

We have increased the size of our forces from traditional levels to protect U.S. -flag shipping and to assist other neutral vessels under unlawful attack when they request assistance. Five European navies in addition-to our own-a total of some 43 ships-are now in the gulf to counter Iran's reckless behavior toward neutral ships engaged in lawful commerce. I am proud of our leadership in meeting this challenge. Together, we have made it clear that we will keep the Persian Gulf open, no matter what the threat. I am here to reaffirm, to those who depend on us and to those who would threaten us, that we will not alter this course.