Muslim Communities Respected in New York, Mayor Tells UN

Speaking before the U.N. General Assembly October 1, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani pledged not to let terror overcome the city and nation's fundamental commitment to freedom and tolerance.

"We're a city of immigrants unlike any other city, within a nation of immigrants. Like the victims of the World Trade Center attack, we're of every race, we're of every religion, we're of every ethnicity, and our diversity has been our greatest source of strength. It's the thing that renews us and revives us in every generation -- our openness to new people from all over the world. So from the first day of this attack, an attack on New York, on America and, I believe, on the basic principles that underlie this organization, I've told the people of New York that we should not allow this to divide us, because then we would really lose what this city is all about.

We have a very, very strong -- we have very strong and vibrant Muslim and Arab communities in New York City. They are an equally important part of the life of our city. We respect their religious beliefs. We respect everyone's religious beliefs. That's what America's about. That's what New York City is all about. I've urged New Yorkers not to engage in any form of group blame or group hatred. This is exactly the evil that we're confronting with these terrorists. And if we're going to prevail over them, over terror, then our ideals and principles and values must transcend all forms of prejudice. This is a very important part of the struggle against terrorism.

This is not a dispute between religions or ethnic groups. All religions, all decent people are united in their desire to achieve peace and understand that we have to eliminate terrorism. We're not divided about this. There have been many days in New York when I was running for mayor and since I've been mayor, many times when I would have a weekend in which I would go to a mosque on a Friday, and a synagogue on a Saturday, and a church, sometimes two churches, on a Sunday. And by the time I finished, I would say to myself, I know that we're getting through to God. We're talking to him in every language that he understands. We're using every liturgy that exists. And I know we're getting through to the same God; we may be doing it in slightly different ways.

God is known by many different names and many different traditions, but identified by one consistent feeling: love -- love for humanity, particularly love for our children.

Love does eventually conquer hate. I believe that. I'm sure you do. But it also needs our help. Good intentions alone are not enough to conquer evil, " Mayor Rudolph Giuliani said.

The General Assemby will be holding weeklong discussions on international terrorism beginning October 1, and feature the views of over 150 counties. The debate comes three days after the U.N. Security Council unanimously adoped a resolution requiring all 189 U.N. member nations to deny money, support and sanctuary to terrorists.