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Space

03 February 2003

Powell Expresses Condolences to Astronaut Survivors

(Reaffirms commitment to space program) (290)
In a brief appearance before reporters February 3, Secretary of State
Colin Powell expressed his sadness at the loss of the seven astronauts
on board the space shuttle Columbia. The spacecraft was destroyed as
it reentered Earth's atmosphere on February 1 in an accident still
under investigation.
Powell also voiced his pride in the courage of the astronauts and the
nation's ongoing commitment to the space program.
Following is the text of Powell's remarks.
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, D.C.
February 3, 2003
REMARKS
Remarks By Secretary Of State Colin L. Powell After Meeting with
Bahrain's King Hamad Bin Essa Al Khalifa
QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, could you speak, please, to the Columbia
tragedy?
SECRETARY POWELL: On behalf of all of my colleagues in the State
Department, I would like to express our deep sadness about what
happened on Saturday with the Columbia.
I was at home watching it just like most Americans on Saturday
morning. I relived every moment that every other American who watched
the film footage and all the while I was thinking about the families
and my heart goes out to the families of those who were lost; and also
pride that we have people not only in our nation, but in other nations
who would take such chances in the cause of peace and in the cause
furthering mankind's quest for knowledge.
And as you have heard, we will continue to go forward with our
programs. And just to look at the picture of all those astronauts
reminds you once again of the great diversity of this world and the
great diversity of the United States.
Thank you.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)



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