    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [September 18, 1997]
    [Page 1192]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1192]]

    Statement on the Helicopter Tragedy in Bosnia-Herzegovina
    September 18, 1997

        I am deeply saddened by the deaths in Bosnia yesterday of five
    dedicated Americans serving the cause of peace. David Kriskovich, Deputy
    Commissioner of the International Police Task Force (IPTF); Leah
    Melnick, Human Rights Officer with the Office of the High
    Representative; Livio Beccaccio, Senior Adviser to Deputy Commissioner
    Kriskovich; Marvin Padgett, IPTF Training Coordinator and Police
    Monitors; and William Nesbitt, Bosnia Program Manager for the Justice
    Department's International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance
    Program (ICITAP), perished when a U.N. helicopter crashed on its way
    from Sarajevo to Bugojno and Brcko.
        Also lost in this tragic accident were five German citizens,
    including Ambassador Gerd Wagner, Senior Deputy High Representative, as
    well as a British and a Polish citizen.
        These men and this woman were serving the cause of peace and
    reconciliation, dedicated to building under exceptionally difficult
    circumstances what was envisioned at Dayton almost 2 years ago. The
    selfless commitment of such talented people is inspiring. We are
    determined to carry forward their vital work.
        My heartfelt sympathy is extended to the Kriskovich, Melnick,
    Beccaccio, Padgett, and Nesbitt families as well as the families of
    their colleagues. May they take comfort in the good works of their loved
    ones, for as the Scripture tells us, ``Blessed are the peacemakers, for
    they shall be called the children of God.''