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Admiral Blair Speaks on U.S.-China Deal

Aired April 11, 2001 - 12:51   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: There promises to be intense afternoon of reaction to the agreement between the United States and China to grant the release of those 24 U.S. crewmen and women. Admiral Dennis Blair now, who has been outspoken in this matter, commander-in-chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, is speaking on the China deal.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

ADM. DENNIS BLAIR, U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND: ... debrief their mission, as you always do. And we are shooting to get them back with their families by Easter here. So there's good news on that front.

(APPLAUSE)

BLAIR: There was almost certainly one fatality in that whole incident, a Chinese aviator. And, of course, we regret that someone lost his life in that sort of a situation, which is probably what happened. And, of course we have follow-on consultations with the Chinese government to sort out some of what went on, and what we ought to do about it, and how we proceed in the future.

So there will be more coming. But big piece of news for those of us in the Pacific Command is the return of our folks.

It's a great pleasure on be here at the Navy League and with all of you in this exhibition, many friends, certainly many people I have worked with over the years. This Navy League was founded in 1902 with the encouragement of president Theodore Roosevelt to enlighten people on Naval matters and tell them what it means...

WATERS: That's Admiral Dennis Blair. He is the commander-in- chief of the U.S. Pacific Command. You heard him echoing what we've been hearing throughout the Bush administration, the word regret at the death of the China pilot.

But his purpose before this gathering in Washington today was to spread the good news. That is the announcement by China that the 24 aircrew men and women will be released. They'll be back by Easter.

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