[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 34 (Monday, August 28, 1995)]
[Pages 1450-1451]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the Death of the American Diplomats in Bosnia-Herzegovina and 
an Exchange With Reporters in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

August 19, 1995

    The President. Good morning. As all of you know by now, we lost some 
fine Americans in Bosnia in a terrible accident a few hours ago, working 
for the cause of peace there. I have spoken with Dick Holbrooke and with 
General Clark in Sarajevo, and of course, with Secretary of State 
Christopher and Deputy Secretary Talbott. I have received a full account 
of what occurred. I am convinced that it was a tragic accident.
    I am very grateful for the service that these fine men have rendered 
to their country and to the world. And I am encouraged by the 
determination of their colleagues to continue on. Within a matter of 
moments from now, Secretary Holbrooke and General Clark will continue 
with a scheduled meeting with President Izetbegovic to press for the 
cause of peace. I expect them then to come home with their comrades and, 
after a few days, to return to press the peace mission again vigorously.
    This is a sad and tragic day for the families of the men who were 
killed, and Hillary and I, and I'm sure all Americans, send our prayers 
and our thoughts to them and our profound gratitude for their service. I 
think the American people would have been very proud of the response of 
their colleagues today in the wake of this incident. And I am very 
grateful for the continued determination of Secretary Holbrooke and 
General Clark to continue on the peace mission.
    Q. Mr. President, as far as you're concerned, there's no need to 
stop the U.S. efforts to seek a diplomatic solution; this won't in any 
way affect that?
    The President. No, I hope it will intensify it. The men who gave 
their lives--these were immensely talented, patriotic Americans who were 
profoundly concerned with what the war in Bosnia has done to the people 
there

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and what it means for the values of decency and freedom and peace. And I 
would think that the thing that they would want us most to do is to 
press ahead, and that is what we intend to do.
    Q. You're convinced there was no foul play involved?
    The President. Based on everything we know from the--I have now--I 
talked to Secretary Holbrooke and General Clark, who were virtual eye 
witnesses, and they say there's no evidence of that.

Note: The President spoke at 10:10 a.m. at the Teton Pine Golf Club. In 
his remarks, he referred to Lt. Gen. Wesley K. Clark, USA, Director, 
Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Staff, and Richard Holbrooke, 
Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs.