NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY SADDENED BY DEATHS IN UN HELICOPTER CRASH IN BOSNIA
September 17, 1997 No. 148
AXWORTHY SADDENED BY DEATHS IN
UN HELICOPTER CRASH IN BOSNIA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today expressed his sadness at the news of
the United Nations helicopter crash in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Twelve of those on
board were killed and four were injured. Among the victims were five members of
the Office of the High Representative, including Gerd Wagner of Germany, Deputy
High Representative to Bosnia, and American Kris Kriskovich, Deputy Commissioner
of the International Police Task Force.
"The victims of this tragedy were dedicated members of international organizations
who worked selflessly, and at the cost of their own security, for peace and
stability in the Balkans," Mr. Axworthy said. "Mr. Wagner, in particular, was
known for his tireless efforts to create conditions for lasting peace in Bosnia."
The helicopter, which had 12 passengers and a four-member Ukrainian crew, crashed
in dense fog on a hillside near Bugojno, approximately 70 km northwest of
Sarajevo. The passengers were en route to Bugojno and Brcko to conduct peace
implementation missions. No Canadians were on board.
"In memory of these and other victims, it is important that we pay tribute to all
those in Bosnia who are working tirelessly, under difficult circumstances, to
strengthen peace and reconciliation in the region," Mr. Axworthy said. "This
includes the vast number of Canadians who helped successfully organize and carry
out last weekend's elections." Bosnia's first municipal elections took place on
September 13 and 14 without incident, with results expected by this weekend.
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