Attacks on 11 September were ‘An attack on humanity itself’, says

 

Secretary-General, urging implementation of un counter-terrorism strategy

 

The following statement by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan was issued today on the fifth anniversary of the 11 September attacks:

The attacks of 11 September 2001 cut us all to the core, for they were an attack on humanity itself.  Today, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, and with all those who lost loved ones in the tragedy.  The United Nations remembers with other New Yorkers the gaping wound that was inflicted on this wonderful city -- this city that has been such a good and welcoming host to us for five decades.  And we remember all those who have fallen victim to other acts of terrorism around the world.

Last Friday’s adoption by the General Assembly of a United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy sends a clear message that terrorism is unacceptable, no matter who commits it, no matter what the reason.  It underlines the resolve of all Governments to take concrete actions to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms, and strengthen the individual and collective capacity of States and the United Nations to do so -- all while ensuring the protection of human rights.

I urge all Member States to honour the victims of terrorism everywhere by taking swift action to implement all aspects of the strategy.  In this way, they will demonstrate the international community’s unwavering determination to defeat terrorism.

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For information media • not an official record