We are pleased to announce that we have reached agreement on the issue of humanitarian payments and have just signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) detailing our understanding.

Following upon President Clinton's express desire to relieve the suffering of those directly affected by this tragic event, and taking into account the critical importance of the U.S.-China relationship, the United States Government and the Government of the People's Republic of China have agreed that the United States will pay as soon as possible consistent with our domestic legal requirements a sum total of 4.5 million dollars to the people who were injured and the families of those killed in the tragic and mistaken bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade.

The U.S. has made clear that this payment will be entirely voluntary and does not acknowledge any legal liability. This payment will not create any precedent.