An historical context for the illocutionary sorry --- Since context is central to decoding language some historical context to this non-apology is offered.

In 1999 NATO deliberately bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade during the war in Kosovo alleging it was being used to transmit Yugoslav army communications. However, the bombing in former Yugoslavia was illegal. It was done without the authorization of the UN Security Council. Three years on the relationship has not improved.

I characterize the 2001 letter not as an apology but as illocutionary schadenfreude. This is defined as “the experience of pleasure, joy, or self-satisfaction that comes from learning of or the troubles, failures, or humiliation of another.”

Authentic apology is a tricky thing to pull off in politics, which is why it so seldom occurs.

Irrespective of my suggested historical context I think this communication is a case book example of spoiling an apology with an excuse.

Source author: John D. Hipsley jhipsley@igc.org