United States Department of Defense

STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR MALCOLM TOON AMERICAN CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE U.S. -RUSSIANJOINT COMMISSION ON THE DEATH OF THE RUSSIAN CO-CHAIRMAN

"The U.S. side of the U.S. Russian Joint Commission was very saddened to learnof the passing of General-Colonel Dimitri Antonovich Volkogonov, a fellowsoldier for whom we had great respect, which only grew in the three and a halfyears we worked together. While serving as the Russian chairman of the U. S. -Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIA Affairs, General Volkogonov widened thewindows of communication with the United States on POW/MIA matters, and wasunswerving in his efforts to gain information which would help resolve painfulquestions about lost American and Soviet servicemembers. Enduring greatphysical hardship, he has nevertheless demonstrated a strength of character soadmired by his friends and colleagues. His work will leave an enduring legacyto Russians and to the world alike, and his memory will serve as a beacon tothose who continue his efforts. We will miss him."