SG/SM/8865

12 September 2003

 

ON SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF TERRORIST ATTACKS ON UNITED
STATES, SECRETARY-GENERAL EXTENDS CONDOLENCES
TO FAMILIES, FRIENDS OF VICTIMS

NEW YORK, 11 September (UN Headquarters) -- Following is a statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States:

On the second anniversary of the massive terrorist attacks on the United States, I extend my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims.  The trauma, wounds and losses of that awful day are still keenly felt by all of us.  And since then, many other innocent people throughout the world -- including, last month in Baghdad, dedicated staff of the United Nations -- have been killed by this global scourge.

All nations must work together in the fight against terrorism, which is an affront to the spirit and purposes of the United Nations, and has become a leading threat to international peace and security.  I hope nations will also bring similar determination to bear in confronting the other ills that plague our world.

For today, however, let us remember those who died, and honour the sacrifice made by those heroic public servants who risked, and in too many cases lost, their lives in the effort to save others.

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