    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [February 3, 1998]
    [Page 161]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Accident Involving United States Aircraft in Italy
    February 3, 1998

        I was deeply saddened to learn a short while ago that a U.S.
    military jet aircraft was involved in an accident in Italy that resulted
    in the deaths of several Italian citizens.
        The plane is part of the U.S. force stationed at Aviano Air Base in
    Italy that is supporting the NATO SFOR mission in Bosnia. U.S. military
    authorities in Aviano have launched an investigation into this accident.
    I have expressed my condolences to Prime Minister Prodi and assured him that we will cooperate fully with the
    Italian Government and do everything we can to find out what happened
    and prevent an accident like this from happening again.
        On behalf of the American people, I offer my heartfelt sympathy to
    the families and friends of those killed and injured in this accident.