[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[November 21, 2000]
[Page 2573]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Death of Lars-Erik Nelson
November 21, 2000

    Hillary and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lars-Erik 
Nelson, one of New York's most distinctive voices and one of America's 
leading journalists. He was a fearless, independent, no nonsense 
reporter and columnist who believed in getting to the heart of a story 
and getting it right.
    Lars-Erik Nelson distinguished himself as a foreign correspondent 
and as a skilled Russian translator, but his real gift was translating 
complex stories about our democracy for the American people. He did it 
with humor and a dogged pursuit for the truth. As his friends knew, 
beneath his gruff exterior was a gentle spirit and a warm heart. Hillary 
and I will miss him and the unique insight that he shared with New York 
and the entire Nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, 
Mary, and his entire family.