U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

Statement by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Tenth Anniversary of the Death of U.S. Diplomats in Bosnia and Herzegovina

August 19, 2005

August 19 marks the tenth anniversary of the tragic accident on Mount Igman in Bosnia and Herzegovina that claimed the lives of U.S. diplomats Robert Frasure, Nelson Drew and Joseph Kruzel. Their commitment and sacrifice helped lead to the Dayton Peace Accords, which halted a conflict that claimed over 200,000 lives and drove millions from their homes.

This anniversary reminds us again of the dangers our diplomats face as they work to advance peace, democracy and freedom around the world. The front lines of diplomacy and conflict overlap in today's world. We honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.