U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DAILY PRESS BRIEFING
Briefer: Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman
TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2000 1:50 P.M.
(ON THE RECORD UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
Q: Is there any US angle to the saga about the stranded Russian
submarine?
MR. REEKER: As I was coming out here, Admiral Quigley was briefing at
the Pentagon, and I believe he is probably in the best position to
address those issues. I can say generally -- if I can find the right
spot -- we are very concerned, obviously, about the fate of the crew
of that submarine, and we hope for a successful rescue effort, rescue
operation, to bring those men safely to the surface. I don't have
other details.
We have asked the Russians if there is anything we could do to help.
At this point, we haven't received any request for assistance. We're
going to continue to monitor the situation very closely. Yesterday, I
think Mr. Lockhart from the White House traveling party in California
indicated that National Security Advisor Berger had spoken with
Russian National Security Advisor Ivanov in a previously scheduled
phone call, and offered our assistance should there be anything we
could do.
We don't have a lot of details on the cause of the crash, but we
understand there are over 100 men on board. I think, as you have all
been watching as this unfolds, the Russians have told us that rescue
operations are underway. But the situation certainly remains very
serious and we'll continue to watch that.
Q: I just wanted to clarify, on the Russian sub, has there been any
contact at all between the United States and Russia today?
MR. REEKER: I can't tell you anything further about today,
specifically. As I indicated, I think the Pentagon is the place to
turn for any of the latest details on that. There were discussions
through various channels. As I indicated yesterday, Sandy Berger spoke
with his Russian counterpart, offering US assistance. I believe the
Russians indicated their gratitude, but had not requested any
assistance, up until -- certainly to this point.
So we'll continue to be there to be available if we can, provide
assistance, and monitor it as closely as we can.
(The briefing was concluded at 2:10 P.M.)
(end transcript)
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