[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 24 (Monday, June 16, 1997)]
[Page 846]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on General Joseph W. Ralston's Withdrawal From Consideration 
as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

June 9, 1997

    I respect General Joe Ralston's decision to remove his name from 
consideration as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
    I am pleased that General Ralston has agreed to Secretary Cohen's 
request to continue in his current post as Vice Chairman. For 32 years, 
in war and in peace, General Ralston has served our Nation with uncommon 
distinction. As Vice Chairman, he is a valued adviser to me, and he has 
played a key role in the Pentagon's review of its post-cold-war mission. 
The Joint Chiefs and our country will benefit from his continued 
service. He is an outstanding officer.
    I also welcome Secretary Cohen's action to forthrightly and 
thoroughly review the military's standards and procedures involving 
personal conduct. It is essential that our system is reasonable, 
consistent, and fair for those who serve our country and that it is 
perceived to be so by the American people.
    I look forward to receiving Secretary Cohen's recommendation for the 
Chairmanship of the Joint Chiefs.