October 10, 1985
At the President's direction, U.S. military forces intercepted an aircraft over international airspace
that was transporting the Achille Lauro terrorists. The aircraft was diverted to the airbase at
Sigonella, Italy. In cooperation with the Government of Italy, the terrorists were then taken into
Italian custody for appropriate legal proceedings. Earlier today, upon learning that the terrorists
would be flown from Egypt to their freedom, the President directed that U.S. forces intercept the
aircraft and escort it to a location where the terrorists could be apprehended by those with
appropriate jurisdiction. U.S. F-14 aircraft, flying from the carrier Saratoga, detected the aircraft
in international airspace and intercepted it. They instructed it to follow them and escorted it to the
military airbase at Sigonella, Italy. This operation was conducted without firing a shot. The
aircraft landed with Italian consent and was surrounded by American and Italian troops. The
terrorists aboard were taken into custody by Italian authorities. The Egyptian aircraft, with its
crew and other personnel on board, is returning to Egypt.
We have been assured by the Government of Italy that the terrorists will be subject to full due
process of law. For our part, we intend to pursue prompt extradition to the United States of those
involved in the crime. This action affirms our determination to see that terrorists are apprehended,
prosecuted, and punished. This episode also reflects our close cooperation with an exemplary ally
and close friend -- Italy -- in combating international terrorism. The American Government and
people are grateful to Prime Minister Craxi, his Government, and the Italian people for their help.
We are also grateful to the Government of Tunisia for its refusal to permit the aircraft
transporting the terrorists to land in Tunis.
Finally, we must at this point note our gratitude to the Government of Egypt for its efforts to end
this dangerous crisis without additional loss of life. We strongly disagreed with the Government
of Egypt, however, on disposition of the terrorists. From the onset, the United States Government
made clear to all the Governments involved our firm opposition to negotiations with the terrorists
or concessions to them. We also made clear our expectation that the terrorists would be brought
to justice. We were, therefore, deeply distressed to learn that those responsible for the death of
Leon Klinghoffer might be permitted to go free. We said yesterday that we were determined to
see justice done and that we would use every appropriate means to that end.
The decision on ending the hijacking was an independent one by the Government of Egypt. When
we were consulted, we advised strongly against any arrangements which would permit the
terrorists to escape justice. Since the time the terrorists were taken off the ship, we have
continued intensive contacts with the Government of Egypt to pursue that point. The United
States wants to emphasize the fundamental and durable interests that the United States and Egypt
share, interests which transcend this difficult incident. These have been trying times for both our
governments. We will do all we can to ensure that the basic U.S.-Egyptian relationship -- in which
both our countries have taken so much pride for so long -- remains unaffected.
In closing, the President wants to emphasize once again that the international scourge of terrorism
can only be stamped out if each member of the community of civilized nations meets its
responsibility squarely -- passing up no opportunity to apprehend, prosecute, and punish terrorists
wherever they may be found. We cannot tolerate terrorism in any form. We will continue to take
every appropriate measure available to us to deal with these dastardly deeds. There can be no
asylum for terrorism or terrorists.
Note: Larry M. Speakes read the statement to reporters at 11:15 p.m. in the Briefing Room at the
White House.