Mr Major’s Doorstep Interview in Jedda – 19 September 1994

September 19, 1994 admin 1994, Iraq, Saudi Arabia

Below is the text of Mr Major’s doorstep interview in Jedda, held on Monday 19th September 1994.

QUESTION:

Can we just ask you about developments in Haiti? You must be relieved that it is not going to be a full-scale hostile invasion.

PRIME MINISTER:

I haven’t seen the full details of what has happened yet but as I understand it, it looks as though there may be a settlement without the need for armed force and clearly that is very welcome, I am very pleased indeed about that.

QUESTION:

We understand though that American troops are going in to safeguard the arrangements but there are dangers still ahead presumably?

PRIME MINISTER:

That is my understanding but I think that must have been agreed by negotiation between President Carter and the junta and I think that probably is the right way to proceed?

QUESTION:

How did your talks with the Custodian [indistinct]

PRIME MINISTER:

Let me firstly say that I am absolutely delighted to be back here in Saudi Arabia. There was absolutely no doubt whatever from our discussions about the warmth and the strength of the relationship between our two countries. The talks could scarcely have been better, I was delighted with them.

QUESTION:

Did you also discuss Iraq?

PRIME MINISTER:

We discussed Iraq, we discussed Iran, we discussed Yemen, we discussed a whole range of regional and international problems.

QUESTION:

[Inaudible]

PRIME MINISTER:

No, that was not a matter for discussion.

QUESTION:

What of the future?

PRIME MINISTER:

I think we have strengthened a relationship that was strong before, has lasted for a long time and will endure.