MT
I believe that sanctions, given a time, will work very effectively, provided everyone abides by them. As you know, we had the powers, under Article 51 and under the authority of the government of Kuwait, to use force, but we wanted the whole world behind us through the Security Council. It was quite a remarkable vote yesterday, and we've got it and we've got authority for the kind of dual nature of our policy - have … defend totally those countries in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the others, and build up your forces to do that, because you never know quite what forces you may be ranged against, and then bring pressure to bear on Saddam Hussein through a very strict and rigid sanctions policy, and that will work.
Break in tape.MT
The United Nations have said he must totally withdraw from Kuwait and the legitimate government be restored. I doubt very much whether he will do that. There's no negotiation with a person who has by force taken someone else's country, except that he gets out completely.
Break in tape.MT
… dealing with a dictator who's an absolute tyrant, who had a callous charade on television with children. But then, you know full well, he hasn't hesitated to use a chemical weapon against innocent people. This man is a despot and a tyrant and must be stopped.
Break in tape. On the prospects for a negotiated settlementMT
We had hoped that that would be enough to start talks again. It wasn't but perhaps we shall them started again soon. I should be very pleased if we can.
Break in tape. On British diplomats in KuwaitMT
We think they're doing a fantastic job. And in Kuwait of course, where they've got the soldiers and guns surrounding them, I think they're standing up marvellously, our people in the embassy. Stiff upper lip - very much British tradition. They'll stay there and do their duty as long as it's humanly possible to do so. We're very much aware of their courage and thankful for it.
Break in tape. On British hostages [end p1]MT
We feel deeply and strongly for you. Of course everyone does. But the fault lies in the kind of regime and Saddam Hussein, for the people who does the … people who do these dastardly deeds. That's why we have great forces now out in the Middle East, to see that it doesn't happen to anyone else and why we're trying to bring justice through a sanctions policy which we can enforce.
[end p2](2) BBC Radio News Report 1800 26 August 1990:
The Prime Minister has described Mr Brian Keenan - the Irish hostage released in Beirut two days ago - as “remarkable”. Mrs Thatcher said his spirit and courage after four and a half years' captivity in Beirut were wonderful. She also said she would like to see diplomatic relations with Iran restored, and she would be pleased if talks between Britain and Iran could be started soon. …