[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 2 (Monday, January 15, 2001)]
[Page 88]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Korean War No Gun Ri Incident

January 11, 2001

    On behalf of the United States of America, I deeply regret that 
Korean civilians lost their lives at No Gun Ri in late July 1950. The 
intensive, yearlong investigation into this incident has served as a 
painful reminder of the tragedies of war and the scars they leave behind 
on people and on nations.
    Although we have been unable to determine precisely the events that 
occurred at No Gun Ri, the U.S. and South Korean Governments have 
concluded in the Statement of Mutual Understanding that an unconfirmed 
number of innocent Korean refugees were killed or injured there. To 
those Koreans who lost loved ones at No Gun Ri, I offer my condolences. 
Many Americans have experienced the anguish of innocent casualties of 
war. We understand and sympathize with the sense of loss and sorrow that 
remains even after a half a century has passed. I sincerely hope that 
the memorial the United States will construct to these and all other 
innocent Korean civilians killed during the war will bring a measure of 
solace and closure. The commemorative scholarship fund that we will 
launch will serve as a living tribute to their memory.
    As we honor those civilians who fell victim to this conflict, let us 
not forget that pain is not the only legacy of the Korean war. American 
and Korean veterans fought shoulder to shoulder in the harshest of 
conditions for the cause of freedom, and they prevailed. The vibrancy of 
democracy in the Republic of Korea, the strong alliance between our two 
countries, and the closeness of our two peoples today is a testament to 
the sacrifices made by both of our nations 50 years ago.