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06 February 2003

U.S. Appreciates Support of International Space Partners

(Davidson statement to OSCE Permanent Council) (240)
Support from America's international partners in the exploration of
space is appreciated "more than ever" in times of tragedy, U.S.
diplomat Douglas A. Davidson said February 6 in the following
statement to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on the loss of the
Space Shuttle Columbia and crew:
(begin transcript)
United States Mission to the OSCE
Vienna 
February 6, 2003
STATEMENT ON SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA TRAGEDY
Delivered by Chargé d'Affaires Douglas A. Davidson to the Permanent
Council
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
On behalf of my delegation and of the people of the United States, I
should like to thank you for your kind words. As you have just said,
our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the seven
astronauts of the space shuttle Columbia. These men and women are
truly heroes - heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the
sake of scientific research and discovery, and for the ultimate
betterment of life here on Earth for all people.
This is not just an American tragedy or an Israeli tragedy. Space
travel and exploration are only made possible through close
collaboration and cooperation with partners around the world. In times
such as these, as we grieve for those who have perished, we appreciate
the support from our international partners more than ever.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)