[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 34 (Monday, August 28, 1995)]
[Page 1451]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Death of the American Diplomats in Bosnia-Herzegovina

August 19, 1995

    I am deeply saddened by the deaths today of three dedicated 
Americans serving the cause of peace, near Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. 
We have confirmed reports that Ambassador Robert Frasure, Deputy 
Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs; Dr. 
Joseph J. Kruzel, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and 
NATO Policy; and Air Force Colonel Samuel Nelson Drew, a member of the 
National Security Council staff, were killed this morning in a crash of 
their military vehicle on the way to Sarajevo. Two other members of the 
delegation were injured. These men were part of an American team 
searching for an end to the conflict there. That effort will continue.
    In addition, one French soldier was killed and two were injured; the 
three were part of the team escorting the delegation.
    I also want to thank the Government of France and the United Nations 
Protection Force (UNPROFOR) for their extraordinary efforts to care for 
the casualties.
    My heartfelt sympathy is extended to the Frasure, Kruzel, and Drew 
families. In honor of their sacrifice, I have directed that our Nation's 
flags be lowered. Their loved ones were engaged in the greatest cause of 
all--the search for peace. As the Scripture tells us, ``Blessed are the 
peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.''