I believe the ambassador and others expressed regret for loss of life. A senior administration official said the letter would bear the signature of the U.S. ambassador, retired Adm. Joseph Prueher, not Bush, but Bush directed that it be drafted and would approve final language. Another official cautioned that in negotiations obstacles and hurdles frequently develop. The likeliest arrangement for a resolution is to have the two sides make their cases about the collision of the U.S. plane and a Chinese fighter jet at a special meeting of a joint maritime commission set up three years ago to enhance safety on the seas, a senior U.S. official told The Associated Press. In this way, the United States and China could air their positions.
China says the plane violated Chinese airspace and sovereignty.
The United States denies the allegations. The crew met Friday with an American general on Hainan island, the second such meeting since the collision and the first since negotiations intensified Thursday. Another was scheduled for today. We know this is a difficult time for their families, and I thank them for their patriotism and their patience. They are in good health.