[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 40 (Thursday, April 14, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 14, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        THE TRAGEDY IN KURDISTAN

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, this morning a somber President Clinton 
addressed the Nation about the tragedy that unfolded overnight in Iraqi 
Kurdistan. As all of us know, two United States Army Blackhawk 
helicopters, carrying military personnel from several countries--
including possibly Britain, France, Turkey, and the United States--were 
shot down early this morning by United States F-16 C jets.
  As of now, few details are available. It is unclear who or how many 
people were killed, or what exactly led to the incident. It is certain, 
however, that something went terribly awry, and that a number of fine 
people from several countries have died in a tragic mishap.
  I want to take a moment to stress that these military personnel made 
the ultimate sacrifice in service of a noble cause. The international 
combined task force [CTF] in northern Iraq was established to prevent 
the wholesale slaughter of the Iraqi Kurdish and other minorities 
located there. My staff has traveled to Iraqi Kurdistan on a number of 
occasions--at times using the same route taken by the two helicopters 
that were shot down--and has spent a great deal of time with CTF and 
U.N. personnel. Those killed early this morning were more than just 
statistics; they were able and committed people working selflessly in 
the most difficult of circumstances. They, like anyone else, had 
families, hopes, and dreams. It is a tremendous loss for us all.
  The protection of the Kurds--and the containment of Iraq--continues 
to be a fundamental interest of the international community. It is 
important that we in the Senate, and the American public, remember that 
fact. This is a day to honor the fallen and to remember the high cause 
for which they gave their lives. President Clinton, in his poignant 
statement this morning, cut right to the heart of the issue when he 
said,

       Those who died today were part of a mission of mercy. They 
     lost their lives while trying to save the lives of others. 
     The important work they were doing must and will continue.
  On behalf of all of us, Mr. President, I offer my profound regret and 
condolences to the families of the victims.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Kansas.
  Mrs. KASSEBAUM. Mr. President, I certainly join with the Senator from 
Rhode Island, the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator 
Pell, in expressing sympathy to the families in his eloquent tribute to 
those who did lose their lives today over Iraq.

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