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02 August 1999

Transcript: State Dept. Legal Adviser on China Embassy Bombing

(China-U.S. MOU on $4.5 million humanitarian payment signed) (450)
U.S. State Department Legal Adviser David Andrews announced July 30
the United States and the People's Republic of China have reached
agreement concerning humanitarian payments related to the mistaken
NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade May 7, 1999.
Speaking at the American Embassy in Beijing, Andrews said
representatives of both governments had signed a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) wherein the United States has voluntarily pledged
to pay 4.5 million dollars to the people who were injured and the
families of those killed in the bombing.
Andrews said the payment will be made as soon as possible, adding that
the United States has made it clear that this payment is voluntary,
does not acknowledge any legal liability, and does not create any
precedent.
China and the United States intend to meet again in the near future to
discuss the property damage related to the accidental bombing in
Belgrade and the damages sustained by U.S. diplomatic property in
China in the immediate aftermath of the bombing.
Following is a transcript of Andrews' statement:
(begin transcript)
Statement by 
U.S. State Department Legal Adviser David Andrews
American Embassy Beijing
July 30, 1999
We have just completed three days of discussions with Chinese
officials on issues related to the mistaken bombing of the Chinese
embassy in Belgrade. Our discussions focussed on the United States
offer of humanitarian payments to the injured and the families of
those killed.
We are pleased to announce that we have reached agreement on the issue
of humanitarian payments and have just signed a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) detailing our understanding.
Following upon President Clinton's express desire to relieve the
suffering of those directly affected by this tragic event, and taking
into account the critical importance of the U.S.-China relationship,
the United States Government and the Government of the People's
Republic of China have agreed that the United States will pay as soon
as possible consistent with our domestic legal requirements a sum
total of 4.5 million dollars to the people who were injured and the
families of those killed in the tragic and mistaken bombing of the
Chinese embassy in Belgrade.
The U.S. has made clear that this payment will be entirely voluntary
and does not acknowledge any legal liability. This payment will not
create any precedent.
China and the U.S. intend to meet again in the near future to discuss
the property damage related to the accidental bombing in Belgrade and
the damages sustained by U.S. diplomatic property in China in the
immediate aftermath of the bombing.
(end transcript)