We will watch carefully as the situation develops. And we will maintain our contact with the Soviet leadership to encourage continued commitment to democratization and reform.

          If it is possible, I want to continue to build a lasting basis for US-Soviet cooperation, for a more peaceful future for all mankind.

          The triumph of democratic ideas in Eastern Europe and Latin America - and the continuing struggle for freedom elsewhere around the world - all confirm the wisdom of our nation's founders.

          Tonight, we work to achieve another victory - a victory over tyranny, and savage aggression.

          We in this union enter the last decade of the 20th century thankful for our blessings, steadfast in our purpose, aware of our difficulties, and responsive to our duties at home and around the world.

          For two centuries, America has served the world as an inspiring example of freedom and democracy. For generations, America has led the struggle to preserve and extend the blessings of liberty. And today, in a rapidly changing world, American leadership is indispensable. Americans know that leadership brings burdens and requires sacrifice.

But we also know why the hopes of humanity turn to us.

          We are Americans: We have a unique responsibility to do the hard work of freedom. And when we do - freedom works.

          The conviction and courage we see in the Persian Gulf today is simply the American character in action. The indomitable spirit that is contributing to this victory for world peace and justice is the same spirit that gives us the power and the potential to meet our toughest challenges at home.

          We are resolute and resourceful. If we can selflessly confront evil for the sake of good in a land so far away, then surely we can make this land all that it should be.

          If anyone tells you America's best days are behind her, they're looking the wrong way.

          The war in the Gulf is not a war we wanted. We worked hard to avoid war. For more than five months we, along with the Arab League, the European Community, and the United Nations, tried every diplomatic avenue. UN Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar; Presidents Gorbachev, Mitterrand, Ozal, Mubarak, and Bendjedid; Kings Fahd and Hassan; Prime Ministers Major and Andreotti - just to name a few - all worked for a solution. But time and again, Saddam Hussein flatly rejected the path of diplomacy and peace.

          The world well knows how this conflict began and when. It began on August 2, when Saddam invaded and sacked a small, defenseless neighbor. And I am certain of how it will end. So that peace can prevail, we will prevail.

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