Transcript of Clinton's statement in Troy, Tennessee

August 31, 1996
Web posted at: 10:00 p.m. EDT

Ladies and gentlemen, before I make my remarks, I want to report to you on a development in another country you may not have heard about.

Early this morning, the military forces of Iraq overran the city of Irbil, which is in the portion of northern Iraq controlled and populated by the Kurds.

The situation there remains unclear. There are reports of heavy fighting and firing in populated areas. There is indication some Kurdish elements may be involved in the operation with Iraq.

These developments, however, cause me grave concern. I have placed our forces in the region on high alert, and they are now being reinforced.

It is premature at this time, and I want to emphasize that -- entirely premature -- to speculate on any response we might have. But we are prepared to deal with these developments.

We will be working hard with others in the international community who share our concern.

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