    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 13 (Monday, April 5, 1999)]
    [Page 532]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the Rescue of a United States Pilot in Serbia

    March 27, 1999

        I am pleased with the news that our pilot has been rescued
    successfully. I am tremendously proud of the skill and bravery of the
    pilot and of the courageous individuals who participated in the
    recovery.
        As I have said from the outset, this military operation entails real
    risk. However, the continued brutality and repression of the Serb forces
    further underscores the necessity for NATO forces to persevere.
        Our NATO operations will go forward as planned. I strongly support
    the decision of Secretary General Solana to move to a new phase of the
    air campaign, which will include a wider range of targets, including
    forces in the field.