12 September 2001

UN Security Council Condemns Terrorist Attacks on U.S.

The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution September 12 condemning the terrorist attacks on the United States, and expressed determination to combat threats to international peace and security caused by terrorists.

The measure was approved unanimously as Security Council members stood in silence, a sharp departure from the traditional voting by a show of hands.

Following is the text of the Security Council resolution:

UNSC Resolution
New York
September 12

The Security Council,

Reaffirming the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations,

Determined to combat by all means threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts,

Recognizing the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence in accordance with the Charter,

1. Unequivocally condemns in the strongest terms the horrifying terrorist attacks which took place on 11 September 2001 in New York, Washington (DC) and Pennsylvania and regards such acts as well as any act of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation;

2. Expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families and to the people and government of the United States of America;

3. Calls on all states to work together urgently to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these terrorist attacks and stresses that those responsible for aiding, supporting or harboring the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these acts will be held accountable;

4. Emphasizes that these acts represent a threat to international peace and security and calls on the international community to redouble their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts by increased cooperation and full implementation of the relevant international anti-terrorist conventions and Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 1269 (1999);

5. Expresses its readiness to take all necessary steps in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations to respond to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 and to combat terrorism;

6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.