Q. Why did you put a gag order on members of the administration, telling them not to second-guess how you and other members of the administration handled the Panamanian crisis?

The President. We've been blessed in this administration by a good team who don't like the game of who's up, who's down, who's winning, who's losing, who's looking good, who's in, who's out. And I did not have to have any gag order because all of them are singing from the same sheet of music. So, there wasn't a gag order.

Q. You didn't tell people to stop complaining?

The President. No.

Q. A week ago?
The President. No.

Q. Did you get angry?

The President. And I didn't get angry. I didn't get angry.

Q. What did you get?

The President. What I did say is, I don't want to see any blame coming out of the Oval Office or attributed to the Oval Office in the face of criticism. I'm not in the blame business. Blame, if there's some to be assigned, it comes in there. And that's where it belongs.

Q. If someone drops the ball, is there no punishment? Is there no

The President. Can we kick some-huh? [Laughter] They'll find out about it.

Q. Has anybody been fired lately?

The President. No, and they're not going to be over this because they all did a good job-a good job. And that's why I feel re

laxed, even in the face of criticism. I really do. I mean, normally I might be a little more tense. I wouldn't blow up, I don't think. And that's why I had ulcers 20 years ago because I didn't; I kept it all inside. But I learned now to get out there, do your best, get the best information you can, have confidence in good people. And those fundamental principles are guiding me now. And I can understand people criticizing and wishing it had come out different. And I can understand instant hawks appearing from where there used to be the feathers of a dove, because some of it's political and some of it is the understandable frustration they feel about this man still staying in office. I've got a certain responsibility, and it is to have good people there, make the best decision you can. And so, I'm not misleading you. I never felt, you know, anger or blowing up. It's absurd. And I haven't lost any confidence in our top people that are handling these matters, including—and I want to repeat it here-our military officers in Panama. None at all. And certainly not General Powell [Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff].

Q. But you are sorry it didn't work.

Q. How do you rate yourself in your first foreign crisis?

Q. What do you say the odds are of another coup, sir?

The President. The American people are strongly supporting the position I took, and they're not dumb.

Note: The President's 25th news conference began at 9:44 a.m. in the Briefing Room at the White House.

Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With Prime Minister Ante Marković of Yugoslavia October 13, 1989

The President met with Yugoslav Prime Minister Ante Marković in the Oval Office for approximately a half hour. The President reaffirmed his strong support for Yugoslav independence, unity, and sovereignty. He welcomed Prime Minister Marković's commitment to market-oriented

economic reform and to building democratic pluralism throughout Yugoslavia.

The two leaders discussed the difficult economic and political challenges Yugoslavia faces and ways the industrial democracies might support the Prime Minister's reform program. The President stressed, and Prime Minister Marković agreed, that implementation of an economic reform program is essential to attracting foreign investment and Yugoslavia's economic recovery. The President thanked Prime Minister Marković for Yugoslavia's constructive leadership at the nonaligned movement summit in Belgrade last month.

Also present were Secretary of State Baker, National Security Adviser Scowcroft, Yugoslav Federal Executive Council Member Dzevad Mujezinović, and Deputy Foreign Minister Milivoje Maksić.

Proclamation 6046-National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 1989 October 13, 1989

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation's laws and traditions are rooted in a profound respect for the dignity and worth of every human person. It is this deep regard for the individual that has established the United States as a land of liberty and opportunity for all. Like generations of Americans before us, we have an obligation to ensure that the United States remains faithful to this promise for every individual—including those with disabilities.

Ensuring that business and employment opportunities remain open for all members of our society is not only a moral imperative; it is also vital to our Nation's economic growth. As the global economy continues to expand, U.S. goods and services will face ever greater competition in both foreign and domestic markets. Americans with disabilities can help to meet that challengebut only if they have opportunities to bring their energy, creativity, and talent to the Nation's work force.

Many advances have been made in fostering the full participation by disabled persons in American society. Our Nation's educational system and training and rehabilitation programs have enabled millions of people with disabilities to become skilled, productive workers. The ongoing removal of architectural and other barriers in housing, transportation, and the workplace is permitting more and more disabled people to join the labor force as well as the mainstream of American life. Advances in technology are also enabling persons with disabilities to utilize their strengths and talents to the fullest. And many employers-recognizing all that these individuals have to offer-are enthusiastically hiring workers with disabilities.

Unfortunately, despite these advances—as well as the major gains we have made in lowering the Nation's unemployment rateit has been estimated that only one-third of all disabled Americans of working age are currently employed. Yet millions of Americans with disabilities are both willing and able to take their rightful places in America's work force. As a Nation that takes justifiable pride in the unparalleled opportunities we have provided for all our citizens, we must continue working to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The Congress, by Joint Resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended (36 U.S.C. 155), has called for the designation of the month of October of each year as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month." This special month is a time for all Americans to join together in recognizing the unlimited potential of persons with disabilities and in renewing our determination to provide increased employment opportunities for them.

Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October 1989 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call upon all public officials, employers, and private citizens of this country to continue to help guarantee equal employment opportunities and the full rights and privileges of citizenship for disabled Americans.

House. I first want to salute our three Members of Congress over here: Duncan Hunter and Dana Rohrabacher and Ben Blaz. Have you guys been introduced yet? Stand up, and let them-[applause]. They have been great leaders in their determination to broaden our whole political base and reach out to men and women of sound values and good ideas. And so, they are here as a team of interested individuals who are working hard with me in the area that I want to talk to you all about.

But welcome to the White House. I'm delighted to see my three friends and experts behind me, both of Paul and-I was going to say Paul and Roger Porter-actively involved. And this character over here, he and I worked the whole China equation-Dick Solomon-for many years. So, you have our best here today to help you with some of the facts. I want to say to Vi dela Pena, the outgoing chairperson, and to Frank Vinh, the incoming, and then to the secretary, Gloria Caoile-if I got the pronunciation correct-laughter] and Rex Tu-close enough? [laughter and Rex Tu, our treasurer, and Nancy Kwan, and all the rest of you here for the first time, a sincere welcome.

Almost a year ago, the Asian-American community supported the direction the Republican Party wanted to take the Nation. And both the Vice President and I appreciate that continued support. And now I'm meeting here today to simply reiterate my commitment to you.

For example, I know of your interest in education. Let me tell you that we are moving forward. Two weeks ago—I'm sure some of you saw it-we convened the first ever education summit with the Nation's Governors to find ways to improve our education system through increased choice, flexibility, accountability, higher standards. The goal: educational excellence.

That was only the first step, though. It was a successful conference. And we did it with the Governors because they're, after all, on the cutting edge. And one thing they made clear to me that I know you'll be interested in: Don't send us a lot of mandated programs. Let us have the flexibility to use the resources where our families and our experts think is best. So, they made that message clear.

Immigration and refugee issues they continue to be important. And let me express my support for our policy of no forced repatriation of refugees to a country like Vietnam. We're not going to retreat from our position taken at the Geneva conference. And people who seek freedom ought to be given a chance. So, let's not deny them that.

You all know that freedom and democracy are on the march. I should say, you more than most, given the history, given the backgrounds, given the family involvement. And we've seen it actually in Eastern Europe now, in Asia. And I hope that one day soon the people of Cambodia will be free from the tragedy that has engulfed that country for far too long. And so, we're going to continue in this one to seek a peaceful, diplomatically negotiated, comprehensive settlement of the conflict. And that recent Paris conference was not a failure. Anytime you get opposite sides to the table, constructive dialog will come about. We need to continue to support those efforts. I can't say I wasn't disappointed at the outcome. I'd like to have seen more progress. But we ought not to say failure and then throw up our hands and give up.

America is moving forward, and as we do, we've got to continue to strive for free trade-free and fair trade. It's the fuel of prosperity worldwide. Asian Americans are among the most industrious and hard-working members of our society. And all that you have asked of us and your familiesfreedom. And in exchange, you have been the shining examples of what all Americans can achieve. And there are so many success stories and so much potential for the future. I know that sacrifice and hard work and discipline are second nature to all of you. And so, many of you have translated your success in education and business into political activism, and that's good. Keep it up. We welcome it. The Asian-American Voters Coalition is a major vehicle for you to do just exactly that.

And so, I really popped in not to interrupt the experts but to tell you how much I appreciate your support and how much I personally look forward to working together with you as we continue to make America great.

Bless you all, and thank you very, very much for coming over here today to the White House. Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 2:21 p.m. in Room 450 of the Old Executive Office Building. In his remarks, he referred to Paul Wolfowitz, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy; Roger Porter, Assistant to the President for Economic and Domestic Policy; Richard Solomon, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs; and actress Nancy Kwan.

Digest of Other

White House Announcements

The following list includes the President's public schedule and other items of general interest announced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this issue.

October 8

In the afternoon, the President addressed the National Federation of Republican Women at the Convention Center in Baltimore, MD. Following his remarks, he returned to Camp David, MD.

October 9

In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to the White House.

October 10

The President met at the White House with:

-John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President; Brent Scowcroft, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; and members of the CIA briefing staff;

-members of the Cabinet;

-John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President.

The White House announced that the President directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to increase Federal disaster relief assistance to Puerto Rico for the restoration of property damaged by Hurricane Hugo.

In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush attended the world premiere of the President's Ballet, performed by the Joffrey Ballet at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

October 11

The President met at the White House with: -John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President; Brent Scowcroft, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; and members of the CIA briefing staff;

-Secretary of State James A. Baker III; -the Vice President, for lunch;

-John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President.

The President announced his intention to appoint John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President, to be a member of the Board of Trustees of the Woodrow Wilson Interna

tional Center for Scholars.

October 12

The President met at the White House with John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President; Brent Scowcroft, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; and members of the CIA briefing staff.

The White House announced that the President directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to increase Federal disaster relief assistance to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the restoration of property damaged by Hurricane Hugo.

October 13

The President met at the White House with:

-John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President; Brent Scowcroft, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; and members of the CIA briefing staff;

-Secretary of State James A. Baker III; -John H. Sununu, Chief of Staff to the President.

In the afternoon, the President attended the Republican Eagles luncheon at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. He then returned to the White House, where he participated in a swearing-in ceremony for D. Allan Bromley as Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.