SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACKS ON THE UNITED STATES

                Following is the text of a statement made today by Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

We are all traumatized by this terrible tragedy.  We do not know yet how many people have been killed or injured, but inevitably the number will be high.  Our first thoughts and prayers must be for them and for their families.  I wish to express my profound condolences to them, and to the people and Government of the United States.

                There can be no doubt that these attacks are deliberate acts of terrorism, carefully planned and coordinated -- and as such I condemn them utterly.  Terrorism must be fought resolutely wherever it appears.

                In such moments, cool and reasoned judgement is more essential than ever. We do not know yet who is behind these acts, or what objective they hope to achieve.  What we do know is that no just cause can be advanced by terror.

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