United States Department of Defense

STATEMENT BY GENERAL JOHN M. SHALIKASHVILI,CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF

"On behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and all the men and women of the ArmedForces, I extend our heartfelt sympathy at this time of loss and sorrow. Theuntimely deaths of three Americans and a French soldier near Sarajevo todayaffects us very deeply.

"Ambassador Robert Frasure, Dr. Joseph Kruzel and Colonel Nelson Drew wereimportant participants in our Nation's efforts to bring about a peacefulresolution to the conflict which has engulfed this region for many years.Theirs was a noble mission that must continue. Our country can be proud thatit produces brave individuals who were willing to take up difficult challengesand who bear extraordinary burdens in doing so.

"To the American and French families who lost loved ones, our prayers andthoughts are with you. To the Americans and French who were injured in thistragic accident, we pray for a quick and total recovery. God bless you all."