[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 38 (Monday, September 27, 1999)]
[Page 1772]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Radio Remarks on Terrorist Attacks in Russia

September 18, 1999

    On behalf of the American people, I want to extend our deepest 
condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in 
the recent terrorist bombings in Russia. We share your outrage over 
these cowardly acts. We know what kind of pain such tragedies can cause. 
Our own citizens have suffered from repeated acts of terrorism.
    Not very long ago, a terrorist bombing took the lives of more than 
160 Americans in our State of Oklahoma. The World Trade Center in New 
York City was bombed. Last year bombings at our Embassies in east Africa 
took the lives of American diplomats, along with hundreds of Kenyans and 
Tanzanians.
    The crimes they suffered remind us that terrorism knows no borders, 
and that acts of terror anywhere are a threat to humanity everywhere. 
While we stand united with you in our grief, we also stand united with 
you in our resolve that terrorism will not go unpunished and will not 
undermine the work of democracy.
    The United States is ready to work with Russia and the Russian 
people to stand against the scourge of terrorism. We are working with 
the allies elsewhere to make sure there is no safe haven for terrorists, 
and we want to work with Russia to isolate nations that support terror. 
Together, we can ensure that the future belongs to peacemakers not bomb 
throwers.
    In the days ahead, our thoughts and our prayers will be with you as 
you work to rebuild from these terrible tragedies.

Note: The President's remarks were recorded at approximately 10:45 a.m. 
on September 18 in the Oval Office at the White House for later 
broadcast in Russia. These remarks were also made available on the White 
House Press Office Radio Actuality Line.