decisions concerning the ground war as appropriate. This process - that it was initiated by the Soviets - is continuing at a rather intensive pace, but there's no change at this point in our schedule for prosecution of the war.

         Q: During the meeting itself was Aziz in communication with the president? Was there any two way on that?

         A: No. There was no one else on the phone call and no other communications.

         Q: Does President Bush see now... a chance for the first time since August 2, to reverse the invasion of Kuwait and actually come about this without launching a ground war?

         A: Well, there have been numerable chances since August 2, in the sense that Saddam Hussein could have pulled out at any time. That still is the fastest and most efficient way to end this war. In terms of this initiative, it's just too soon to characterize it. We need to take a look at it. But I would say again that we have had our hopes raised before; after a serious examination there have been significant problems. And certainly, the President has indicated there could well be some difficulties here. But we are taking a look at it.

         Q: How could he prosecute a ground war if indeed the talks are proceeding in Moscow?

         A: Well that's not an issue at the moment. We are proceeding the war, the air war continues. There's been no decision on the ground war at this time. And we continue to pursue the matter in the Persian Gulf in the most effective and efficient military way possible.

         Q: The President has said all along that the 12 UN resolutions are what Saddam Hussein must live up to. In the points that the President raised that he doesn't like, the possibility sounds like there may be a negotiation underway to drop one or more of those points. Can the President live with anything less than full acceptance of all 12 as long as Iraq pulls out of Kuwait?

         A: There is no negotiation underway with regard to the United States. I remind you again that this is a matter between the Soviet Union and Iraq. That we are commenting on their proposal, and we are not directly involved in that sense. I would repeat once again as well that full compliance with the 12 UN resolutions is the goal we seek. And those are the guide-posts that we would use in judging any consideration of withdrawal.

         Q: Are you willing to go beyond those 12 though - to scale back any of those 12?

         A: We have said repeatedly that we must have full compliance with the 12 UN resolutions. There's no change in that situation.

         Q: Aside from raising serious considerations here, you said that we've had our hopes raised before. In the process of reviewing this, do you at least see that there is some hope here that this peace proposal could work if some of these problems that the president sees are worked out?

         A: I just don't want to give it any characterization until we've had a chance to give it the full analysis of the U.S. government.

<2>