    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [February 24, 1997]
    [Page 195]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the First Anniversary of the Downing of American Civilian
    Aircraft by Cuba
    February 24, 1997

        One year ago, four innocent civilians were killed when their
    aircraft were brutally shot down by the Cuban regime. Without warning,
    Cuban MiG's fired air-to-air missiles at two small unarmed planes in
    international airspace. Three U.S. citizens and one permanent resident
    were the victims: Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre, Mario de la Pena, and
    Pablo Morales.
        Today we join the families in honoring the memory of these men as we
    carry forward our efforts to seek justice for their deaths. An
    investigation by the International Civil Aviation Organization last June
    confirmed that the shootdown was unlawful and without any justification.
    The U.N. Security Council last February and again in June strongly
    deplored Cuba's illegal use of violence against the aircraft. The Castro
    regime, however, has consistently rejected the judgment of the
    international community. As we did one year ago, we call on Cuba to take
    full responsibility for its actions and provide assurances that an
    outrage like this will never happen again.
        The shootdown and the Cuban Government's continuing repression of
    human rights activists and independent journalists underscore the need
    to continue working for a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba. The
    United States continues to lead the international effort to achieve that
    goal, and over the past year, more of our friends and allies than ever
    before have joined with us to help bring democracy to Cuba.
        On this anniversary, with the memory of the four victims in our
    prayers, the United States reaffirms its commitment to help bring
    democracy, respect for human rights, and prosperity to the people of
    Cuba, who have too long been denied these essentials of a decent life.