    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 37 (Monday, September 20, 1999)]
    [Pages 1761-1762]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the Terrorist Attacks in Russia

    September 17, 1999

        On behalf of the American people, I want to extend our deepest
    condolences to the families of victims of recent bombings in Russia. Our
    thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the nearly 300 people
    whose lives were tragically lost.
        The American people share the world's outrage over these cowardly
    acts. These attacks were aimed not just at innocent people across
    Russia. They also targeted fundamental human rights and democratic
    values, which are cherished by Russia and other members of the
    international community. We must not allow terrorists to achieve their
    underlying objective, which is to undermine democratic institutions and
    individual freedoms.
        People across Russia who have been affected by these attacks are now
    beginning the hard task of rebuilding their lives. Their courage and
    resilience sets an example for all of us. President Yeltsin and Prime
    Minister Putin have also made important appeals to their countrymen that
    these attacks should not lead to new incidents of intolerance or bigotry
    and that the public should remain calm and unified in response.

    [[Page 1762]]

        In the days and weeks ahead, we will intensify our cooperation with
    Russian authorities to help prevent terrorist acts. The struggle against
    terrorism is a long and difficult road, but we must not lose our
    resolve. America stands ready to work with Russia to protect our
    citizens from this common threat.

    Note: In this statement, the President referred to President Boris
    Yeltsin and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin of Russia.