[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
[May 5, 1999]
[Page 691]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 691]]


Exchange With Reporters Prior to a Meeting With Released U.S. Army Infantrymen at Ramstein Air Base, Germany
May 5, 1999

    Q. Mr. President, would you favor releasing the Yugoslav soldiers, 
now that the U.S. soldiers have been released?
    The President. I think Secretary Cohen 
answered this earlier today, but several days ago I raised this issue 
with our national security people, asking them if they would look at it 
and make recommendations, and I expect to get it in a couple days. And 
right now I'm just glad they're home, or they're halfway home, anyway--a 
couple days they'll be home.
    What I think all Americans want for these fine soldiers is what we 
also want for the over one million people of Kosovo. We want them to go 
home, too.
    And their families--I want to tell you, I had occasion to talk with 
their families on a couple of occasions, and they were concerned, 
loving, and they were vigorous advocates for their loved ones. And I was 
very proud of the way they conducted themselves during this incredibly 
difficult time for them as well. And I want to thank them for the 
loyalty they had for their children, husbands, nephews, brothers and for 
the love they have for their country. I was also very moved by them.
    Q. Why do you think Milosevic let them go, sir?
    The President. I think he had a 
number of motives. The important thing is that he did let them go. They 
were in a peacekeeping mission in Macedonia; they had nothing whatever 
to do with this. They never should have been taken in the first place. I 
appreciate what they were doing in Macedonia and their service to our 
country, and I'm glad they're free.

Note: The exchange began at 5:53 p.m. at the air base. In his remarks, 
the President referred to Staff Sgt. Andrew A. Ramirez, USA, Staff Sgt. 
Christopher J. Stone, USA, and Spec. Steven M. Gonzales, USA, 
infantrymen released from custody in Serbia; and President Slobodan 
Milosevic of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). 
A tape was not available for verification of the content of this 
exchange.