Online NewsHour: Three U.S. soliders released -- May 2, 1999



	POW'S HEAD FOR HOME

May 2, 1999

Three US soldiers taken captive over a month ago have been released by the Yugoslav government and have left Serbia with Reverend Jesse Jackson, who negotiated their release.

--Posted 1:00pm - 5/2/99

Strikes in Yugoslavia Coverage

March 24, 1999:
Secretary Albright discusses the air strikes.

March 23, 1999:
What does NATO hope to achieve through air strikes?

March 22, 1999:
The Yugoslavian ambassador to the U.N. discusses growing tension.

NATO

US State Department

The three crossed into neighboring Croatia on Sunday with Rev. Jackson chanting, "Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, free at last!"

The US government welcomed the release, but reiterated NATO's intentions to continue airtstrikes against the Balkan nation.

"As we welcome our soldiers home, our thoughts also turn to the over 1 million Kosovars who are unable to go home because of the policies of the regime in Belgrade," President Clinton said in a statement issued Sunday. "Today we reaffirm our resolve to persevere until they, too, can return -- with security and self-government."

During a press conference Saturday, Jackson said the Yugoslav decision should be seen as an opportunity for a diplomatic end to the conflict.

"It is a gesture that shouldn't go ignored," he said. "This is the first step of peace and reconciliation. ... We should miss no opportunity to choose peace with dignity."

He also urged that NATO at least temporarily halt the air campaign and, "Give them a night of peace from bombs."

Rev. Jackson negotiated the release during a three hour meeting with Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic.

"They decided to unanimously release the three Americans held captive and to allow them to leave with us tomorrow," Jackson told an impromptu press conference Saturday.

The Yugoslav government's news agency, Tanjug, said the release was a "good will gesture" in support of Rev. Jackson's efforts.

"[Slobodan Milosevic] took the decision in support of Jesse Jackson's peace efforts," Tanjug reported. "We do not see them as enemies but victims of war and militarism."

The three soldiers were captured a month ago while on patrol along Macedonia's border with Serbia.

On April 1, the images of the three visibly-bruised soldiers were broadcast on Serbian television, who reported they had resisted arrest.

US Defense Department officials identified the soldiers as Staff Sgt. Andrew A. Ramirez, 24, of Los Angeles; Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Stone, 25, of Smiths Creek, Mich.; and Spec. Steven M. Gonzales, 24, of Huntsville, Texas.

Jackson also indicated he would be delivering a letter from Milosevic to President Clinton that includes "a desire to meet with him and to take this matter to resolution."

It was unclear if the release of the three US soldiers would affect the status of the Yugoslav lieutenant who was captured by the Kosovo Liberation Army and is being held by the US Army in Tirana, Albania.