Giving Iraq ‘Something’ Is Only Alternative to War, Cuomo Says

New York Gov. Mario Cuomo said Monday that the only alternative to war in the Mideast would be a settlement that would “give Iraq something.”

Cuomo, considered a likely prospect for the 1992 Democratic nomination, told a National Press Club lunch: “I hope for a settlement. But I don’t want a settlement at any price. I don’t want a settlement that makes (Iraqi President) Saddam Hussein even a greater threat.”

His comments on the Persian Gulf crisis during a question-and-answer session followed a 30-minute address in which he said President Bush is failing to respond to “a long-term economic crisis that is as dangerous as Saddam Hussein.”

The governor, just reelected to a third term in Albany, spoke from the viewpoint of a Washington outsider and critic--a stance that many politicians believe he would rely on heavily if he does seek the presidency.

Responding to a question about the Middle East, Cuomo stressed that he has been “very supportive” of Bush’s handling of the crisis. “I think the President has done very well up to now,” he said. “I don’t think there is much danger that he will give too much” to Hussein.

He noted that Bush is saying “he isn’t going to give anything” to Iraq and has been insisting that Iraq must withdraw unconditionally from Kuwait.

“That’s what he should be saying now,” Cuomo said of Bush. “That’s called bargaining. That’s his first position.”

But while he said Bush’s “hard stand” is appropriate, he added, “It is entirely possible he would choose instead of war a settlement, and that settlement would have to give Iraq something, however indirectly you do it so as not to be responsible for it.”

For example, Cuomo said, the United States might decide to “let the Kuwaitis do it (make a concession to Iraq).”

Cuomo stirred controversy last month in a speaking appearance in Los Angeles, where he appeared to suggest possible terms for negotiations that would get Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait. He later denied proposing “a blueprint for a settlement.”

And in his remarks here Monday, Cuomo said, “It would be presumptuous, naive, stupid of me” to make specific recommendations for an agreement with Iraq.

“The place this should be debated is the Congress,” said Cuomo, who contended that, if Bush did does decide to go to war in the Mideast, he was is required by the Constitution to seek congressional approval first.