Claiborne Pell: “this morning a somber President Clinton addressed the Nation about the tragedy that unfolded overnight in Iraqi…”

“this morning a somber President Clinton addressed the Nation about the tragedy that unfolded overnight in Iraqi Kurdistan. As all of us know, two United States Army Blackhawk helicopters, carrying military personnel from several countries-- including possibly Britain, France, Turkey, and the United States--were shot down early this morning by United States F-16 C jets. As of now, few details are available. It is unclear who or how many people were killed, or what exactly led to the incident. It is certain, however, that something went terribly awry, and that a number of fine people from several countries have died in a tragic mishap. I want to take a moment to stress that these military personnel made the ultimate sacrifice in service of a noble cause. The international combined task force [CTF] in northern Iraq was established to prevent the wholesale slaughter of the Iraqi Kurdish and other minorities located there. My staff has traveled to Iraqi Kurdistan on a number of occasions--at times using the same route taken by the two helicopters that were shot down--and has spent a great deal of time with CTF and U.N. personnel. Those killed early this morning were more than just statistics; they were able and committed people working selflessly in the most difficult of circumstances. They, like anyone else, had families, hopes, and dreams. It is a tremendous loss for us all.…”