07 August 1998
(Says military is supporting U.S. efforts to aid victims) (280) Washington -- Defense Secretary Cohen says that the terrorist bombings in East Africa August 7 are a stark reminder that terrorists' "only means of attacking America is through such cowardly acts." He also noted that the military is actively supporting government-wide efforts to aid "the victims of this catastrophe." Following is the text of Cohen's August 7 statement: (begin text) I would like to express my condolences to the victims and families of those who perished or were injured in the bombings of U.S. Embassy buildings in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. These bombings are a stark reminder of the threat to U.S. personnel posed by terrorists whose only means of attacking America is through such cowardly acts. In recent years the Department of Defense has taken dramatic steps to improve the security of its forces deployed overseas. But, as the bombings show, we will never be able to eliminate all the risks that our troops and diplomats face when they serve our country overseas. The loss of one American serviceman or diplomat to such acts is one too many. Our men and women in uniform serve proudly and selflessly around the globe with the full knowledge that they face additional dangers abroad because they wear the uniform. The military is currently supporting U.S. government efforts to help the victims of this catastrophe. We will also work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to bring to justice the murderers who performed this terrorist act. (end text)