*EPF408 09/13/01
Text: Lott Vows Justice, Hellfire for Terrorists
(Calls every expression of outrage too mild) (280)

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott on September 12 pledged not to seek vengeance, but to pursue justice for the terrorists who caused the acts of terror on September 11.

Saying that righteous anger burns in every American heart, the Mississippi Republican cautioned that justice may take time, but that it will surely come.

Following is the text of Lott's statement:

(begin text)

U.S. Senator Trent Lott
Senate Republican Leader
September 12, 2001

Statement of Senate Republican Leader Trent Lott of Mississippi

Responding to the Events of September 11, 2001

There is nothing I or any of us can say that is worthy of this moment. Any expression of sympathy for the suffering is too weak. Every expression of horror at this outrage is too mild.

Some things can be said only through tears and through prayer, and through the righteous anger that burns today in every American heart.

But let this be said, and let it be understood in every corner of this world: A great nation does not seek vengeance. A great nation does pursue justice.

In this case, justice may take some time. But it will come.

By day or by night, at once or in stages, without warning and without pity, justice will come -- and with it, all the hellfire these demons have earned for themselves.

For now, we must mourn our dead, tend our wounded, and comfort those whose lives have been shattered.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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