Pakistan's president Zia, U.S. ambassador die in plane crash

US Department of State Bulletin, Oct, 1988

President Mohammad Zia ul-Haq, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Arnold L. Raphel, Brig. Gen. Herbert M. Wassom (head of" the Military Assistance Advisory Group at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad), and 27 others died August 17, 1988, when President Zia's plane exploded minutes after taking off in eastern Pakistan.

Following are a statement by Secretary Shultz made in Islamabad where he represented the United States at President Zia's .funeral, his remarks at the memorial ceremony ,for Ambassador Raphel at Andrews Air Force Base, and Acting Secretary Whitehead's remarks at the funeral service .for the Ambassador

SECRETARY SHULTZ'S

STATEMENT, ISLAMABAD, AUG. 20, 1988

My delegation and I have just had a very good meeting witb Acting President Ghulam Ishaq Khan. I conveyed to him, on behalf of the President and the American people, our profound sorrow over the tragic death of President Zia ul-Haq and those who died with him.

President Zia was a strong and principled leader, who earned the admiration of the world. He was a steadfast defender of Pakistan's territorial integrity and freedom, who yearned for peace in this troubled region. He was a tireless promoter of regional cooperation whose promise is evident in the South Asian Regional Cooperation Council. He was a magnanimous benefactor to the Afghans, whose quest for independence he never ceased to champion.

We mourn our own loss as well. Ambassador Raphel and Brig. Gen. Wassom were skillful and devoted Americans-public servants who worked tirelessly to build and strengthen relations between our two countries.

This tragic incident shocked Pakistan and the world. Pakistan's leaders have reacted calmly and quickly to preserve the continuity of constitutional government and to reaffirm that elections will be held in November. We expressed the admiration of all Americans for the wise manner in which Pakistan's Government has responded to this trial and for the patience, strength, steadiness, and determination of the Pakistani people.

SECRETARY SHULTZ'S

REMARKS, ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, AUG. 21, 1988

Mrs. Raphel, Mrs. Wassom, your families and friends; last Thursday night, from this spot, I took off in this U.S. Air Force jet for Islamabad, Pakistan. There, yesterday, I stood in an open field next to a mosque to extend our country's honor to a fallen friend, President Zia ul-Haq of Pakistan.

Today I stand here again, as a guardian in your stead, to return to you beneath our Stars and Stripes two of our best, Arnold Raphel and Herbert Wassom. Arnie and Herb. Over there, Ambassador and General. To us they will always be Arnie and Herb.

Why were they over there? Why? They were over there because of big words: liberty, freedom, justice, security, prosperity, peace. We hear these words all the time; maybe sometimes we've taken them for granted. I can tell you that most people around the world do not take them for granted. They lack them; they want them; they'll fight for them, as the Afghan people, with President Zia behind them, have been fighting and winning.

Arnie and Herb went halfway around the world to join the fight for these great causes, not just for others but for America. If we do not work to shape a world of freedom, peace, prosperity, and justice, then here at home those principles will be endangered and could be lost.

So yesterday, halfway around the world in Pakistan, I saw people far different from ourselves moved to tears by America's-and Arnie and Herb's-dedication to these causes.

An Ambassador A General. As individuals they were strong, energetic, dedicated, and they had that bright, light, endless American optimism and humor. As professionals and patriots, they were committed to the inseparable principles needed for success: a readiness to engage with others diplomatically to reach agreement and a readiness to employ strength in the interests of a safer world. We must keep our effort going to engage the world out there.

Here they are, Arnie and Herb, your sons. The world is a better place and your country is better off and safer because of their sacrifice. In far off lands, people know this. I want you to know it, too. Be proud of them. Never lose heart. There is so much more to do. Be proud to engage, as they have, in the spirit of America.

ACTING SECRETARY

WHITEHEAD'S REMARKS, FT. MYER, VIRGINIA, AUG. 22, 1988

In the State Department lobby, just inside the C Street entrance, there are two large plaques, where the names of ambassadors and others who have died while serving their country are inscribed. It is a grim list, but a proud list, too; a list of those who defended peace and freedom to the very end. And now today there will be added to that list the name of Arnold Raphel.

Last Friday I participated in the swearing-in ceremony of John McCarthy as our new Ambassador to Lebanon. In a few days, he will depart for service in tbat troubled land. John was Arnie's deputy in Islamabad. In his brief remarks at the ceremony, he introduced his wife and his children and then he said, "During the past week, we have lost a very dear member of our family." For a brief moment I didn't know what he meant, but then, of course, I quickly realized that he meant Arnie. And I thought how much of a family the Foreign Service really is, including those of us fortunate enough to serve with it for a short time: loyal to each other, proud of each other's accomplishments, mutually supportive, eager to see its standards and traditions maintained. Arnie was one of the leaders of our family, highly respected and dearly loved.