TEXT: ALBRIGHT APOLOGIZES FOR ACCIDENTAL BOMBING OF CHINA EMBASSY
("There was absolutely no intention to hit your Embassy.")

Washington -- Secretary of State Madeleine Albright personally apologized and extended condolences to China for the accidental fall of bombs on its Embassy in Belgrade during a NATO operation.

In a letter dated May 8, Albright assured China's minister of foreign affairs, Tang Jiaxuan, that NATO forces had absolutely no intention to hit the Chinese Embassy.

Albright noted that NATO undertook the mission to halt the Serb forces' systematic and brutal attack on ethnic Albanians. "NATO cannot allow Milosevic's 'ethnic cleansing' to go unchecked, and its mission will continue until an acceptable resolution is reached."

Albright concluded that it is more important than ever for the United States and China to remember their commitment to work together to build a constructive strategic partnership. "There is too much at stake for us not to do so," she said. "We need to continue to work together on matters of mutual and global concern, including resolution of the situation in Kosovo."

Following is the text of the letter:

(begin text)

THE SECRETARY OF STATE
WASHINGTON

May 8, 1999

His Excellency
Tang Jiaxuan,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's
Republic of China,
Beijing

Dear Mr. Minister:

I know Ambassador Sasser and other officials have already conveyed our deep regret about the tragic, accidental fall of bombs on your Embassy in Belgrade, but I wanted to express personally to you my sincere sorrow for the loss of life, injuries, and damage. On behalf of my government and as a member of NATO, I extend sincere apologies and condolences.

NATO has made every effort to confine the air strikes to Serb military and strategic targets and avoid harm to civilian targets. There was absolutely no intention to hit your Embassy as NATO has announced. Despite all of these efforts, there have been unfortunate accidents, including the tragic damage and losses at your Embassy.

I understand your continuing concerns about NATO's actions in Yugoslavia, but in this difficult period, it is also important to remember why NATO undertook this mission. Milosevic and Serb forces are engaged in a systematic and brutal attack on ethnic Albanians. NATO cannot allow Milosevic's "ethnic cleansing" to go unchecked, and its mission will continue until an acceptable resolution is reached.

We understand the high emotions this accident has generated among the Chinese people, but we are concerned that the large-scale demonstrations at our Embassy and Consulates in China are threatening the safety of our officials and their families and causing damage to our properties. We expect and ask the Chinese government to meet its responsibility to take all appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all Americans in China and protection of American properties. We ask that the Chinese government provide as soon as possible substantial security reinforcements around the Embassy and Consulate buildings.

In this difficult period, I think that it is more important than ever for us to remember our President's -- and our -- commitment to work together to build a constructive strategic partnership. There is too much at stake for us not to do so. We need to continue to work together on matters of mutual and global concern, including resolution of the situation in Kosovo. I am committed to continuing our productive cooperation on these and other important bilateral issues.

Again, please accept my deepest regret and condolences.

Sincerely,

Madeleine K. Albright

(end text)


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