12 September 2001

UN Security Council Takes Strong Stand Against Terrorists

By Judy Aita
Washington File United Nations Correspondent

United Nations -- In a show of unity against the scourge of terrorism, the U.N. Security Council September 12 adopted a resolution that "unequivocally condemns in the strongest terms the horrifying terrorist attacks" in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

The urgent Security Council meeting began with statements of condolences and support for the United States and its people and of unrestrained outrage at the "perpetrators, organizers and sponsors" of the terrorist attacks. Their key message was that the attacks were not against the United States but against freedom loving people around the world.

The council met under tight security as the U.N. building, often a target of terrorist threats, was under guard by New York City police and the U.S. Coast Guard.

In a move never before taken in the Security Council, Council President Jean-David Levitte of France asked council members not to raise their hands to vote, as is the custom, but to stand to show their "unity in the face of terrorism." At the council's circular table the diplomats stood in grim silence.

In the resolution the council called on all states "to work together urgently to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these terrorist attacks" and stressed that "those responsible for aiding, supporting or harboring the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these acts will be held accountable."

The resolution emphasized the acts represent a threat to international peace and security and called on the international community to redouble their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts.

The council also said it was ready to take "all necessary steps" to respond to the September 11 attacks and to combat terrorism.

The secretary general said "all of us feel deep shock and revulsion at the cold-blooded viciousness of this attack. All of us condemn it and those who planned it -- whoever they may be -- in the strongest possible terms."

"Terrorism is an international scourge, which the United Nations has many times condemned. A terrorist attack on one country is an attack on humanity as a whole. All nations of the world must work together to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice," Annan said.

U.S. Ambassador James Cunningham said "the United States has suffered a cowardly and evil attack. But America is not and will not be shaken in its revolve. We will grieve and we will heal."

Thanking nations for their condolences and resolve, Cunningham, who is the acting U.S. representative to the UN, said that "we look to all those who stand for peace, justice, and security in the world to stand together with the United States to win the war against terrorism."

"We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them. And we will bring those responsible to account," the U.S. ambassador said.

Comments from other council members included:

• "The United Kingdom is united with America in deep shock and sympathy and in determination to eradicate terrorism globally," British Ambassador Jeremy Greenstock said.
• "The attacks are aimed at democracy and the free world. All of us who believe in the value of democracy stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of the United States," said the representative of Mauritius, who also called for a special summit to discuss ways to combat terrorism.

• "No motivations can be justified," said Mali diplomat Cheickna Keita.

• Singapore Ambassador Kishore Mahbubani said he hopes that the international community will come together to deliver a stronger response to terrorism.

• "It is time for all societies to root out the perpetrators and those who planned the attacks," Tunisian Ambassador Noureddine Mejdoub said.

• "The perpetrators are enemies of all people everywhere. They must be brought to justice and the entire international community must work together to do that," said Ireland Ambassador Richard Ryan.

• The attacks "represent an open challenge to the international community as a whole," said China's ambassador, Wang Yingfan.

• Calling the attack a "brazen challenge to all humankind," Russian Ambassador Sergey Lavrov said that the council's resolution "unconditionally shows the resolve of its members to do all it can not to leave unpunished all terrorist acts."

• "The masterminds and those with whom they were in collusion must be brought to justice. We must demonstrate a solid front," said Jamaica Ambassador Patricia Durrant.

• "September 11 is a day that will live in history because once again it proved that democracy and freedom will prevail.... We all feel like true New Yorkers today," said Norway Ambassador Ole Peter Kolby.