*EPF108 12/11/00
Text: Clinton Statement on Putin Intent to Pardon Edmond Pope
(Clinton welcomes intent to pardon and release convicted American) (130)

President Clinton issued the following statement December 9 welcoming Russian President Vladimir Putin's stated intent to pardon Edmond Pope:

(begin text)

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
December 9, 2000

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT: Edmond Pope

I welcome President Putin's statement of his intent to pardon and release Edmond Pope. It will be a great relief to all Americans when Mr. Pope is finally freed and reunited with his family. We want to see him home and safe as soon as possible.

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(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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