Gathering to decide what to do. (General Assembly Debate).

The most hopeful thought about the United Nations is the name itself. During the high-level general debate of the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly, Member States and Observer groups affirmed that hope--speaking in one voice--against terrorism and the conditions that spawn it. The debate, usually held for two weeks in September, was compressed to a week and rescheduled to 10 to 16 November. As the United States mourned its innocent dead, and as the world united in condemnation of the terrorist acts, Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in his opening remarks, said:

"When a family is under attack, it is in their common house that its members gather to decide what to do. One is tempted to say that we must focus all our energies on the struggle against terrorism. Yet, if we do so, we should give the terrorists a kind of victory.... In short, my friends, the agenda of peace, development and human rights set forth in the Millennium Declaration is no less pressing. If anything, it has taken on a new urgency."

Here, the UN Chronicle reproduces excerpts from all speeches delivered at the week-long session. Among the speakers were 42 heads of State or Government, 9 Deputy Prime Ministers and 96 Foreign Ministers.

RELATED ARTICLE: Quote - UNquote 

Just One Thought

We face two possible futures: a mutually destructive clash between so-called "civilizations" based on the exaggeration of religious and cultural differences; or a global community, respecting diversity and rooted in universal values. The latter must be our choice.

Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations

The Islamic State of Afghanistan rejoices the new developments as a victory not only for the people of Afghanistan, but also for the international community in our shared campaign against terrorism.

Ravan Farhadi, Chairman of the Delegation of Afghanistan

The fight against terrorism must not be perceived as a clash of civilizations. It is a fight between good and evil. The only way to win the war is to unite against the common enemy.

Rexhep Meidani, President of Albania

It is necessary to confront the very roots of terrorism to deal with those problems which form a breeding ground for terrorism. ... Islam, a religion of peace and tolerance, cannot be associated with terrorism. ... The antiterrorist struggle is not aimed at any country, religion or civilization.

Abdelaziz Belkhadem, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Algeria

We must all play our part in the battle against mindless death, and debate both the reasons for and the responses to terrorism. ... We should never forget that the very act of debate, the very idea of this forum, is anathema to those whose modus operandi is silence.

Juli Minoves-Triquell, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Andorra

The struggle against terrorism requires that, beyond the measures encompassed by Security Council resolution 1373, special attention is devoted to the completion of an international convention against terrorism.

Joao Bernardo de Miranda, Minister for External Relations of Angola

International terrorism is an act of war against the world's peace-loving peoples. It is imperative that all countries of the world address the underlying social, economic and political problems that cause human misery and perpetuate injustice.

Patrick Albert Lewis, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda 

Terrorism can hit any State. It is an international threat that must be confronted by the only existing institution with global reach--the United Nations.

Fernando De La Rua, President of Argentina 

The problems and realities that we collectively face requires genuine, radical rethinking. The deep dissatisfaction, injustice, poverty, hopelessness do not justify terror but serve to validate it, legitimize it, guard it, must be addressed and eradicated too.

Vartan Oskanian, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Armenia

The events of 11 September underline how important it is that we maintain and strengthen international non-proliferation regimes governing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

John Dauth, Permanent Representative of Australia

The menace of an unprecedented, devastating terrorism is compelling us to take a fresh look at the root causes of much that is unacceptable in our world. ... I refer to abject levels of poverty, inequality, injustice.

Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Austria

Nothing can justify terrorism. There should be no room for double standards, palliatives and narrow national interests.

Vilayat Mukhtar ogly Guliyev, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan

We must be visionary and creative in ensuring that the resources and energies of the United Nations are used to deal effectively and resolutely with terrorists and terrorism, and also continue to positively impact human rights, economic and social development and other common objectives.

Anthony Charles Rolle, Chairman of the Delegation of the Bahamas

Violence and extremism contradict the teachings of Islam and its tolerant values, and all high cultural and human concepts in which we believe and support.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain

Terrorism is but one aspect of many negative forces that shape the substance of what we call globalization. ... They call for collective approaches and concerted global action.

Reaz Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh

The quest against terrorism can never hope to succeed if it is viewed simply as a military campaign. ... It is from conditions of hopelessness and despair that spring new converts to the cause of terrorism.

Billie A. Miller, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Barbados

We see it as critical that the UN Member States have come to the realization of ... the unbreakable links between development, peace and security in the context of globalization. The recent tragic events reaffirmed this interdependence.

Mikhail Khostov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belarus

It was the fundamental values constituting the foundation of the United Nations which were attacked in so cowardly a fashion.

Louis Michel, President of the Council of the European Union, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belgium

Today, despots seek refuge among the weak, preying upon the vulnerabilities of the less fortunate. ... For us, securing a better future for the millions who live in poverty continues to be the most noble of challenges.

John Briceno, Deputy Prime Minister of Belize

Terrorists cannot be silenced without eliminating the conditions they can use to justify their actions. ... Those include poverty, injustice, marginalization and exclusion.

Kolawole Idji, Minister for Foreign Affairs and African Integration of Benin

Clearly, there is a need to better define and understand the scope and limits of the war on terrorism so that the fears of a broader clash that is being spoken of are calmed.

Lyonpo Jigmi Yoser Thinley, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bhutan

The long struggle for freedom and against terrorism is just beginning and will only end when all the citizens of the world are entitled to vote and elect, to offer their opinions and profess their faith, to freely move about and, above all, to live free from fear of terror.

Jorge Quiroga Romirez, President of Bolivia 

Coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a multi-ethnic, multicultural Balkan country, I am especially sensitive to terrorism that is misusing religious feelings and, by doing so, jeopardizing local and global society.

Zlatko Lagumdzija, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina

We need to reaffirm our commitment to the full implementation of all conventions on the combat of terrorism. The other major challenge that presents extraordinary danger to humanity is the HIV/AIDS pandemic, whose devastating impact on our societies and our economies, particularly in Africa, is well documented.

Mompati Merafhe, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Botswana

The victims of terrorism will not be forgotten, nor will those responsible for these acts go unpunished. Yet, ... the struggle against terrorism cannot rely exclusively on self-defense measures or on the use of military force by individual countries.

Fernando Henrique Cardoso, President of Brazil 

Terrorism is a grim reminder that the United Nations agenda set over the last half of the 20th century has yet to be completed. There are many unwelcome legacies from the past 50 years.

Serbini Ali, Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam

One year after the Millennium Summit, we reaffirm that the United Nations enjoys even greater prestige as a tool to meet the challenges of our time. International terrorism has become threatening, not only to States but also to the freedom of the world.

Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Prime Minister of Bulgaria

The campaign against terrorism must be part of a coherent, solid world coalition based on the United Nations, and must also take into consideration the realities and constraints facing the international community. While terrorists are enemies, the manner in which we combat them must not provide them with allies.

Youssouf Ouedraogo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso 

We fully subscribe to the relevant resolutions in the fight against terrorism. Strengthening coordination of efforts at the sub-regional, regional and international levels is in order.

Therence Sinunguruza, Minister for External Affairs of Burundi

To find solutions to the problems facing our world, especially terrorism, we need to look into not only the root causes of, but also the other contributing factors to terrorism confronting the world today.

Hor Namhong, Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia

Those who endanger the new world order use a double standard to justify their acts. They claim to be carrying out a crusade and also put forward the living conditions of hundreds of millions of people who are the poorest of the poor. We must do all we can not to allow individuals and groups who have only criminal motives to use these excuses.

Francois-Xavier Ngoubeyou, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cameroon

Terrorism globalizes us. It globalizes outrage and condemnation, just as it does compassion and the cry for justice. We must ensure that terrorism also globalizes a sustained commitment to bring about its end.

John Manley, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada

When developing countries attempt to respond to demands from the international community, they are forced to mobilize resources that would otherwise be dedicated to their economic and social development, and to meeting the basic needs of their people.

Manuel Inocencio Sousa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Communities of Cape Verde 

Some of the most pressing challenges are extreme poverty, conflicts, intolerance, terrorism, foreign debt, marginalization, endemic diseases and HIV/AIDS. The burden of these challenges cannot be lifted without multilateral cooperation.

Agba Otikpo Mezode, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Central African Republic 

It is unthinkable to combat terrorism without generating assistance from the wealthy to the neediest. My country knows that it must, first and foremost, rely on it own capacity.

Mahamat Saleh Annadif, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Chad

The terrorists will have achieved their objective if, as a result of their attacks, globalization changes direction and moves towards less freedom and less international trade.

Ricardo Lagos Escobar, President of Chile

Terrorist activities have spread to many parts of the world. ... Disasters caused by such global problems as environmental degradation, poverty, HIV/AIDS, drugs and refugees are worsening. The objective of democratized international relations is far from being realized.

Tang Jia Xuan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of China

The horrendous acts of 11 September do not represent a collision of civilizations, religions or cultures. The only collision evident here is a violent fanatic minority against all forms of civilization.

Andres Pastrana Arango, President of Colombia 

This fight against terrorism and injustice requires an objective political reading of areas of tension in the world, We must distinguish between terrorist acts and the legitimate acts of peoples who have the right to self-determination.

Souef Mohamed El-Amine, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Comoros

The terrorist attacks have brought us to a new and firm resolution about peace. ... The fight against terrorism must affirm the United Nations as the forum for all progressive activities.

Rodolphe Adada, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Congo

When faced with cruel fear and hatred, we must raise up the flag of civilization, tolerance and brotherhood. Before irrational violence, we must take up the arms of reason, law and order.

Roberto Rojas Lopez, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica 

The regulatory role of the United Nations is crucial, especially in regard to economic relations. Such relations are impossible in a world without justice, peace and security.

Abou Dramane Sangare, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Cote d'Ivoire

This is not a clash of civilizations, this is not a clash of cultures, this is not a conflict of religions. This is just a confrontation of civilization and non-civilization.

Stjepan Mesic, President of Croatia

Only under the leadership of the United Nations will we be able to defeat terrorism. Cooperation, and not war, is the way. The coordination of actions, and not imposition, is the method.

Felipe Perez Roque, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba

The United Nations is called upon to reinforce its primary role in the pursuit of justice, tolerance, the dignity of human beings, respect of human rights and the promotion of peace and zero tolerance towards the dark forces of terrorism.

Glafcos Clerides, President of Cyprus 

Political solutions of conflicts ... will reduce tensions, promote peace and fairness; but especially it will take the wind off the sails of those who put forward the absurd myth that terrorist actions can bring about anything other than loss of lives of innocent people and exacerbation of problems and conflicts.

Jan Kavan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic 

The support of the international community is essential if we are to reconstruct the Democratic Republic of the Congo; the Congolese people ask only that justice be done for the weak as for the strong, and for rich and poor alike.

Joseph Kabila, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo 

Imposing the label of "terrorism" on countries advocating for sovereign equality, violating their sovereignty and inflicting immeasurable pain on the people by resorting to arbitrary armed intervention, sanctions, should in no way be tolerated.

Li Hyongchol, Permanent Representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea 

Recent events underscore further the need to make the world a better place, in particular for those vast groups of people who live in poverty. We need to secure real political, economic and social opportunities for the world's poor and disadvantaged.

Ellen Margrethe Loj, Chairperson of the Delegation of Denmark

With the advent of globalization, trade grew, capital flowed, investments increased, economies liberalized and barriers to trade reduced--but the number of those excluded from the parade has been on the rise.

Ali Abdi Farah, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti 

The current effort against international terrorism is important and our focus on that activity is warranted. However, other dimensions of the global agenda cannot be relegated to the back-burner of our concerns.

Pierre Charles, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Dominica

We hope that countries with smaller economies will be heard in their grievances, and that cooperation and solidarity will manifest itself in a generous way in order to understand the imbalances, differences and asymmetries between richer countries and poorer ones.

Hugo Tolentino Dip Dipp, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic 

Countries alone cannot combat the challenges of globalization. The international community must help all nations overcome the negative legacy of the 20th century, especially that of poverty.

Heinz Moeller Freile, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ecuador

For the battle against terrorism to be successful, it must extend to all aspects of life: political, economic, social, cultural and in the field of security.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Permanent Representative of Egypt.

The attacks were an assault on affecting not only our sense of safety but the growth of our economies. The struggle against terrorism should not be seen as a struggle among civilizations or among nations.

Maria Eugenia Brizuela de Avila, Minister for Foreign Affairs of El Salvador 

Together with the need to enhance United Nations capacity, the time is also ripe for States and international organizations to take specific and positive steps to democratize international relations, promote and reaffirm respect for human rights, consolidate the disarmament regime and promote development.

Jose Ela Ebang, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Equatorial Guinea 

Globalization can serve as an effective instrument for establishing an equitable relationship between the rich and the poor only if a cooperative mechanism is established during this critically early stage.

Ali Said Abdella, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Eritrea

It is important for members to realistically assess how high a level of development they have achieved and, when appropriate, to refrain from accepting aid in favour of those who need it the most. This is the flip side of development: as one rises out of poverty and underdevelopment.

Toomas Hendrik lives, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia

Terrorism will be defeated when the ideological cover it is wearing is unveiled and shown to be hollow. But this can be achieved only when those capable of perpetrating heinous crimes are not only denied safe havens but are also made to be bereft of any alibi. This is where, among other things, the fight against poverty becomes all the more critical.

Seyoum Mesf in, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia

Poverty is at the root of many social problems. As the most powerful destabilising force, it threatens democracy and good governance. It is thus our most insidious enemy.

Amraiya Naidu, Permanent Representative of Fiji

Fear and insecurity were globalized overnight. But democratic societies cannot be destroyed by such acts. When faced with threats, our common values and democracy will only get stronger.

Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland

We will not achieve lasting victory against all forms of terrorism unless we succeed in depriving them of their breeding ground, by eliminating the pretexts from which they fallaciously draw their justification.... That implies nothing short of changing our world.

Hubert Vedrine, Minister for Foreign Affairs of France

The international community must bring appropriate responses to global problems that could act with a view to finding solution to the conflicts, as well as to the economic and social problems of our time.

Jean Ping, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Gabon

There is no alternative to the United Nations. We are now strengthened in our conviction that our Organization is nowhere near a sunset Organization. It is a sunrise Organization.

Baboucarr-Blaise Ismaila Jagne, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Gambia

Strengthening of the UN conflict settlement capacity is crucial to the creation of a new world order based on common values and principles. The world order of the 21st century is clearly incompatible with the widespread violations of human rights, leading to the destabilization of international system.

Peter Chkheidze, Permanent Representative of Georgia

The fight ... against terrorism must build on the awareness that the First World cannot, in the long term, live secure and safe from the tensions and conflicts of the Third World.

Joschka Fischer, Deputy Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany

Our quest to free the world of terrorism would be enhanced by addressing both the symptoms, as well as the causes, that nurture such criminal acts. Developing countries should be provided with the necessary resources to play a meaningful role in confronting these challenges.

Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Vice-President of Ghana 

From the ruins of this tragedy there is a newborn moral strength, a clarion call to change this world. To do so we need not abandon our national interests. We ... need to place them in a wider context, a world order based on common practices, shared principles and global values.

George A. Papandreou, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece

The catastrophic and traumatic events of September 11th have changed not only the lives of individuals for whom we grieve so painfully, but also ... the modus vivendi and the modus operandi of our present day civilization in many respects.

Elvin Nimrod, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Grenada

Today, the struggle against terrorism is the struggle against inequality in international economic relations, against ignorance and injustice, against discrimination, intolerance, exclusion and poverty.

Alfonso Portillo Cabrera, President of Guatemala 

Poverty and illiteracy is fertile ground for the propagation of extremism and fanaticism. The rich countries should listen to the poorer nations and support them in their development efforts.

Mahawa Bangoura Camara, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guinea

The new collective challenge is to bring to light the image of a world of equality, dignity, equity and international solidarity, translated into an economic and social cooperation and in a real "social adjustment", having the human being as a centre of reference.

Antonieta Rosa Games, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guinea-Bissau

The message must clearly be sent to all who would use terrorism to pursue their objectives ... no matter how laudable these may be that their actions will not be tolerated by the members of this Organization and, instead, will be dealt with firmly with the full force of the law.

Samuel R. Insanally, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guyana

These instruments [12 UN conventions] are indispensable in our fight against this scourge, but we must also think of other factors that might spawn terrorism. We should build a grand coalition against poverty, starvation, disease and marginalization.

Joseph Philippe Antonio, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti

The lesson is clear: we should endeavour to articulate our achievements as people and as nations to reduce our vulnerability in all areas, whether environmental, economic, political or security, under the principles of the cultivation of peace.

Roberto Flores Bermudez, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Honduras

In light of the terrorist attack and the scare, both of which dramatized the high cost of inaction on those serious issues, weapons of mass destruction were a serious concern.

Janos Martonyi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary

The UN needs to address the desperation, alienation and hopelessness that those behind terrorism try to make use of. Member States have a great responsibility to reinforce their efforts in addressing these problems at the national level.

Halldor Asgrimsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Iceland

We should reject self-serving arguments seeking to classify terrorism according to its root causes, therefore justifying terrorist action somewhere while condemning it elsewhere.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister of India 

The democratic spirit is what we need in order to wage an effective struggle against the dark forces of international terrorism. Without that spirit, we can only fail.

N. Hassan Wirajuda, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia

The deterioration in the international political and economic environment has reached a point where dangers have come to threaten the very core of the individual and collective security of the Member States and the future of humanity as a whole.

Naji Sabri, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iraq

The peace and security we crave for ourselves and for future generations will not be secured unless we simultaneously tackle the root causes of conflict injustice, poverty and the abuse of fundamental rights and freedoms.

Brian Cowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland

The disaster in the United States is so tragic and grave that it implores all thinkers to engage in deep reflection and dialogue on its real causes. The powerful find the answer in recourse to military revenge, since it calms their anger and that of their compatriots. In this midst, the fact that the first victims of such retribution are defenseless people who have themselves been victims of terrorism and discrimination is often ignored.

Sayed Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Terror is strong as long as anti-terror is weak. And terror is frightening as long as people are afraid of it. Terror follows neither justice nor serves goals. It is not a remedy, it is a malady.

Shiman Perez, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel

In crafting a credible, diversified global strategy to eradicate international terrorism, we must also search for solutions to the most delicate regional crises and to the global problems that loom over our lives.

Renato Ruggiero, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy

In our response [to terrorism], we need to be mindful that the time has come for us to inaugurate a new era of peace; not simply through preventing war but by eliminating the causes that give rise to strife and violence.

P.J. Patterson, Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Jamaica

Japan will participate more actively in international actions against terrorism by enacting a new law to support the operations of other countries trying to eliminate the threat posed by the recent terrorist attacks, and to extend assistance to affected people.

Kiichi Miyazawa, Member of Parliament of Japan

Our war against terrorism is neither a religious war, nor should it turn into a clash between one civilization and another, or even between one nation against another.

Abdel-elah Khatib, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Jordan

Kazakhstan stands for the strengthening of the central role and authority of the United Nations in the efforts to ensure global stability, and build equitable relations between States and peoples based on mutual respect and universal values.

Madina B. Jarbussynova, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan

Conflict situations impede development, provide an atmosphere for the illegal exploitation of resources, the abuse of children, influx of refugees, the spread of dangerous weapons and enhance poverty, to mention just a few.

Daniel T. arap Moi, President of Kenya

The strong condemnation of the heinous terrorist acts reflects recognition by the international community that the real target of that assault is the political, economic and social stability of the world order.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Armad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kuwait

The United Nations ... should play the key role in bringing together the international community to combat terrorism and recommend the establishment of a United Nations committee aimed at re-establishing peace in Afghanistan.

Ibraimov Osmonakun, Secretary of State of the Kyrgyz Republic

Our Organization must play an increasing role, in conformity with the UN Charter, in the combat against terrorism for peace and security of the peoples all over the world.

Somsavat Lengsavad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic

We must act on all levels to succeed in combating terrorism: global, regional and national. Today the need for international cooperation has reached a new dimension. To achieve sustainable results in eliminating terrorism, joint international action is mandatory.

Gints Fegermanis, Permanent Representative of Latvia

The events of 11 September demonstrated that mankind has not yet reached its ultimate evolutionary stage. They also proved that terrorist groups that know no boundaries and accept no restrictions are capable of undermining our confidence in all that we have achieved so far.

Mahmoud Hammoud, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lebanon

The current difficult times call for strong support of the UN and the multilateral processes if the Organization is to effectively address the new global issues and challenges that confront it.

Motsoahae Thomas Thabane, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lesotho

Reform will not occur within the United Nations until structural changes take place in the distribution of power. ... It would therefore be an exercise in futility to expect concrete reforms in the United Nations without structural pressures. Debate is not the mechanism of change.

Monie Captan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Liberia

We cannot condemn terrorism and fight it when it hits one country and turn a blind eye when it hits other countries and peoples. It is also very dangerous to link terrorism to a certain religion or a nationality, as terrorism has no nationality and no religion.

Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalghem, Secretary of the General People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and Inter.. national Cooperation of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Isolating the extremists, exposing the perversity of their agenda, and thus preventing more misguided and disenfranchised people from joining a cause of insanity, is the only way our fight will be successful.

Ernst Walch, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein

The events of 11 September have proved how fragile international security may be. In defence of our common values--freedom, democracy and openness--no nation can idly stand by or act unilaterally.

Gediminas Serksnys, Permanent Representative of Lithuania

There is a clash of cultures between North and South, but the discussions since the attacks have shown that the antidote to self-absorbed woundedness is a dialogue among civilization.

Lydie Polfer, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Relations of Luxembourg

After 11 September, the world changed. ... Many challenges are ahead, and the UN has to be more prepared to deal with them. Its success depends on the resolve of its members to respond ... in a more efficient, relevant and adroit manner.

Ilinka Mitreva, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Macedonia

The fight against terrorism also means understanding its causes and eradicating its roots. We need to remove all sources of support, destroy the logistical bases, the cells and the bases for financing. The time for dialogue is upon us, and it is not too late to become aware of its value.

Lila Ratsifandriamanana, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Madagascar

At the height of a global integration drive, a shockingly large number of countries remain outside the globalization loop, while a handful of economically powerful countries of the North control the pace and terms of participation in the global economy.

Lilian Patel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Malawi

While we understand the natural urge for retribution against the people who were believed to be behind the heinous attacks and their supporters, we do not think military actions are the best and most effective solution, nor politically a wise one.

Hasmy Agam, Permanent Representative of Malaysia

Terrorism has emerged as an enemy of nations ... and a vicious threat to humanity. In combating such a cruel enemy, it is important that international action against it be supported and complemented by measures at regional and national levels.

Fathulla Jameel, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Maldives

The terrorist acts of 11 September, totally incompatible with Islam and its message of peace, have exposed the vulnerability of the international system and underlined the need for cooperation.

Modibo Sidibe, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mali

The unity of purpose ... within the international community in its fight against terrorism is perhaps unprecedented. Indeed, the political will displayed over the past two months is a clear manifestation that multilateralism remains a vital tool in the conduct of relations between States at a global level.

Joseph Borg, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malta

The blatant worldwide increase in attacks on human dignity and freedom spurred the early ratification of the Rome Statute by the Marshall Islands, which calls for the establishment of an International Criminal Court. We welcome early establishment of the Court and implementation of its mandates.

Raynard Gideon, Head of Delegation of the Marshall Islands

It is now proven that violence and extremism are the consequence of poverty and despair. That is why the international community needs to make greater efforts in the domain of solidarity and social development across the globe.

Dah Ould Abdi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mauritania

Together with the war on terrorism, we need to wage many 'other wars ... against poverty, ignorance, hunger and underdevelopment.

Sir Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius

The narrative of harmony among nations illustrates many victories, but also many painfully lost opportunities. Today, our actions in confronting terrorism and promoting the development of all nations can begin a new tradition of success for our governments.

Vicente Fox, President of Mexico

We applaud the United Nations as it continues its heroic work to reduce poverty and bring a better standard of living to all peoples of the world. We will continue to work with our colleagues within the Group of 77 to further poverty reduction measures and improve the standard of living for all human beings.

Leo A. Falcam, President of the Federated States of Micronesia 

Besides being anachronistic in a globalized and interdependent world, separatism, like the scourge of international terrorism, emphasizes what divides and segregates rather than unites and integrates.

Nicolae Dudau, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Moldova

Recent events also require us to think about international economic and financial cooperation. The globalization of exchange of products and services must also be a part of our intellectual and practical efforts to allow human beings to recover their just and legitimate role.

Crown Prince Albert of Monaco

September 11 has revealed the heightened vulnerability of the human family. It would seem important to us to address issues that provide a fertile soil for terrorism, such as transnational organized crime, illicit drugs, money laundering, illegal arms trafficking.

Nambar Enkhbayar, Prime Minister of Mongolia 

We have all been shaken by the terrorist acts ... an attack on innocent lives and all the values we hold dear, whether cultural, religious or political. Those events are epic in their resonance, and it is still not clear how far-reaching the consequences will be.

Mohamed Benaissa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Morocco

The struggle against this scourge [terrorism] requires a concerted action by the whole international community, within the framework of the United Nations, for the target of this evil is not a sole nation or people, but the whole humankind.

Leonardo Santos Simao, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique

The challenges of combating terrorism are both difficult and complex. Therefore, it is essential that the international community come together under the aegis of the United Nations to overcome the enormous challenge.

U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Myanmar

Through the United Nations, and with a strong political will, no challenge is insurmountable--for the UN is the only international body capable of serving the interests of all nations.

Tuliameni Kalomoh, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting of Namibia

The good old days, before 11 September, are gone forever. The sad part is we inherited a world that was good. Tomorrow, do we hand over to our children, and our children's children, a better world or not?

Rene R. Harris, President and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nauru

With collective resolve and determination, and with preventive and curative actions, we can sniff out the forces of terrorism, if we only refrained from political expediency and moral relativism.

Ram Sharan Mahat, Minister of Finance of Nepal

Through our tears, we should discover opportunity. Through our bitterness, necessity. We must turn compassion into solidarity --turn solidarity into common action.

Jozias Van Aartsen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands

It is the UN, acting collectively, which will win the wars against terrorism, poverty, disease, threats to the environment and the threats posed by conflict and weapons of mass destruction.

Phil Goff, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand 

The enemies of peace and democracy have attempted to create a generalized climate of uncertainty and fear. Our first challenge is not to allow ourselves to be intimidated or paralysed by their criminal threats and actions.

Arnoldo Aleman Lacayo, President of Nicaragua 

The United Nations is the place to promote new partnerships for the benefit of Africa. The Conference on Financing for Development [to be held 18-22 March 2002, in Monterrey, Mexico] should be a decisive turning point on the road to a more equitable economic order.

Aichatou Minadaoudou, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Niger

The terrorists and their supporters should be exposed for what they are: fringe elements undeserving of a respectable place in the comity of nations. Our strategies therefore should be informed, consistent and focused.

Alhaji Sule Lamido, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria

The United Nations is our foremost tool for solving global problems. It reminds us that combating terrorism has not removed any of the challenges that were on the global agenda prior to 11 September.

Jan Petersen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway

We should not ignore the role of other possible peaceful means in dealing with issues of terrorism, and make every effort to eradicate this epidemic, which threatens to destroy human and civilized achievements.

Fuad Mubarak Al-Hinai, Permanent Representative of Oman

We need to ask ourselves what really causes these extreme acts around the world. To my mind, it is the unresolved political disputes the world over: disputes in Bosnia, Kosovo, Palestine, Kashmir and other places.

General Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan 

If it can be said that any good came from the abominations of 11 September, it would be this: countries, which gave little thought to engagement and cooperation in a larger, global system, are now fully engaged and working side-by-side with countries to which they were formerly antagonistic or gave only passing thought.

Tommy Remengesau, Jr., President of Palau 

The Palestinian people have expressed their readiness to confront all forms of international terrorism, including state-organized terror, in order to build a new world that will guarantee justice, peace, security and freedom to all people.

Yasser Arafat, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and President of the Palestinian Authority

In homage to the thousands of innocent victims of these senseless attacks, the United Nations must take steps to legitimize all the multilateral efforts required to eradicate the scourge of international terrorism.

Jose Miguel Aleman, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Panama

We believe that our common global problems cannot be resolved under the auspices of violence, terrorism, war and destruction, nor can they be resolved in a vacuum. The United Nations provides a forum and an avenue for fostering dialogue for peaceful resolution of disputes.

Peter D. Donigi, Chairman of the Delegation of Papua New Guinea 

Paraguay is not neutral in this struggle against terrorism. We do not confine ourselves to expressions of solidarity, but commit ourselves to the international consensus to fight the serious threat to humanity.

Luis Angel Gonzalez Macchi, President of Paraguay

Three subjects concern my Government first, a determined struggle against terrorism and its perverse alliance with drug trafficking and corruption; second, the need to reduce military expenses to devote these resources to winning the bitter struggle against poverty; third, to think and act together to protect the employment opportunities and income of the poorest of the world.

Alejandro Toledo Manrique, President of Peru

While terrorism cannot be placated, and no terrorist should be appeased, there is no doubt in our minds either that we must address the concerns that they pretend are the inspiration of their terrible deeds.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Philippines

We need to remove the grounds on which many perceive terrorists as the "present day Robin Hoods". Yet, it does not release us of our responsibility to take a careful and courageous look at the present international order, which consolidates inequalities and diverse social calamities.

Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland

I must stress the importance of the 12 UN Conventions in the fight against terrorism, whose ratification and implementation make them crucial weapons in the prevention and the fight against this scourge.

Jaime Gama, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Portugal

What happened in NewYork and Washington is unprecedented and almost beyond our imagining. However, inflicting punishment, though imperative, will not prevent the repetition of similar or even graver acts in future.

Sheikh Hamad Khalifa AlThani, Emir of Qatar

This unprecedented criminal act has posed a grave threat to international peace and security, as well as a serious challenge to human dignity. Such acts of terrorism ... cannot be justified by any cause.

Lee Han-dong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea

[Terrorism] brought into focus both the abysmal evil we have to confront and the high value of human solidarity in the international response to it.

Ion Iliescu, President of Romania 

The land should burn under the feet of those who plan and commit terrorist acts or support them, who are involved in trans-border manipulations of mafia groupings and drug lords. The evil should be, and will be, punished. Terrorism is nothing but a crime.

Igor S. Ivanov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

Poverty and external debt have been stressed as major obstacles to development. Globalization does not seem to solve those problems.

Anastase Gasana, Permanent Representative of Rwanda

Dialogue among the international community rapidly spawned an anti-terrorism coalition of countries, thereby defining the protagonists in this unfolding new order. My country stands solidly with this coalition.

Timothy Harris, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Education of Saint Kitts and Nevis 

We need to remind ourselves that there are many other issues engendering their own brand of fear and conflict in the world today; and that the underlying cause of such conflict is the lack of economic and human development.

Earl S. Huntley, Chairman of the Delegation of Saint Lucia

It behooves us to look deeper into the causes of violence and terror, It is the firm belief of my Government that marginalization of the poor and underprivileged creates a hotbed for extremism and lawlessness.

Louis Straker, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 

We need to bear in mind that fighting terrorism cannot be separated from the task of preventing organized crime, the spread of small arms and other weapons. and of containing and ending conflict.

Almost all countries have seen the attack on the United States as an attack on each of them. This explains why, facing such tragedies, also small nations ... cannot remain neutral by simply offering solidarity or making statements of principles.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Samoa

Gabriele Gatti, Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs of San Marino

The well-being of children is seriously threatened by the climate of war and conflicts, exploitation, famine and poverty. It is necessary to act, if only for the protection of children, the future generation.

Patrice Trovoada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Community of Sao Tome and Principe

We look forward to the United Nations, as the body that represents all of us without exception, to make the international endeavors against terrorism sincere global efforts devoid of discrimination and bias, and for the service of all members of the international community, protecting them from the evil of terrorism, including official terrorism that is supported by States.

Statement of Saudi Arabia

Convinced that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance, Senegal condemns the linking of Islam with terrorism. Massacring expectant mothers and causing buildings full of innocent people to collapse cannot be justified by any religion, especially not Islam.

Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Senegal

Terrorism is rooted in poverty. The UN must engage its full potential to vigorously pursue its development agenda, including the alleviation of poverty, achieving sustainable development, and the quest for equitable distribution of the benefits of globalization.

Claude Morel, Permanent Representative of Seychelles

Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is deplorable, and must be eradicated.

Sahr Matturi, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone

The fear of terrorism may constrict the key arteries of globalization. These new restrictions on travel, on shipping, national and international mail, on the free flow of goods and information everywhere, are effectively a tariff imposed by terrorism upon the global community.

Kishore Mahbubani, Permanent Representative of Singapore

We appreciate that after the terrorist attacks, countries and international organizations have manifested moral maturity and capacity to closely cooperate and coordinate their actions in the fight against world terrorism.

Eduard Kukan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic

We are ultimately obliged to avoid dividing cultures following the principle of us versus them, dividing races, religions and nations into those civilized and those barbaric, and ascribing a priori fundamentalism to any religion or civilization.

Milan Kucan, President of Slovenia 

While the war against terrorism is a matter of urgency, the United Nations should not underestimate the continuing need to address other global issues that also threaten human security. Persistent poverty and underdevelopment; environmental degradation; internal conflicts and wars; the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as well as small arms and light weapons; trade in illicit drugs; the deadly spread of HIV/AIDS; and violations of human rights are complex global problems that continue to demand concerted global responses.

Manasseh Sogavare, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands

The international community is under moral obligations to come to the aid of States in the form of post-conflict peace- building and national reconstruction, so that they do not become vulnerable to the evil forces of terrorism.

Ahmed Abdi Hashi, Chairman of the Delegation of Somalia

Where we might have used the concept of a global village loosely in the past, on September 11 terrorism taught us ... that we do indeed belong to a global village. All must act to promote the safety and security of one and all.

Thabo Mbeki, President of South Africa 

The international consensus against terrorism shows that terrorism has nothing to do with the differences between North and South, or East and West, nor with a supposed conflict between civilizations.

Josep Pique, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Spain

Gone are the days when a country affected by terror can be told by the international community, "We are sorry about what's happening in your land, but there is nothing we can do to help because we have no laws to combat terror". Terrorism is no longer the curse of the poor.

Lakshman Kadirgamar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka

Terrorism does not belong to a certain religion or patrimony; neither does it belong to a particular ethnic group. It is an international phenomenon. With this conviction, efforts should be coordinated to find remedies for terrorism.

Mustafa Osman, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sudan

The effects of globalization have not been favourable to most developing countries; however, we have come to understand and experience that our world is an interdependent world. The loss of lives and the economic effects of 11 September are also felt in all parts of the world.

Maria E. Levens, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Suriname

After a decade of encouraging talk about the benefits of globalization, we are not even close to benefiting from a world of liberalized trade. Globalization in its unfettered form is likely to do more harm than good to small, vulnerable economies.

Clifford S. Mamba, Permanent Representative of Swaziland

We are all going through days of sorrow and anger. Sorrow for human suffering, loss of lives and loss of security. Anger, because terrorism hits innocent people and is targeted at openness and democracy, and threatens our common security and welfare.

Anna Lindh, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden

In the aftermath of the attacks on Washington and New York we called for international cooperation, under the auspices of the United Nations, to uproot terrorism in all its forms and for an agreement on the measures to define terrorism.

Farouk Al-Shara', Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic

Under no circumstances does [Tajikistan] accept the use of terrorist acts as a means of achieving political and other goals. We reject any attempts to justify acts of terror by political, religious, philosophical, ethical or racial reasons.

Rashid Alimov, Permanent Representative of Tajikistan

International terrorism has also exacerbated the slowdown in the global economy. This carries with it significant social ramifications as well. Confronted with the ever-widening gap between developed and developing countries, the United Nations and Member States must work together to arrest and reverse this trend.

Pracha Guna-Kasem, Chairman of the Delegation of Thailand

Combating international terrorism should not be seen as a confrontation between civilizations. The challenge is to identify the root causes of the phenomenon.

Koffi Panou, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Togo

Inasmuch as the events of 11 September were an affront to ones sense of humanity, it is this very humanity that has risen to prevail over extreme adversity.

Sonatane Tu'a Taumoepeau Tupou, Chairman of the Delegation of Tonga

The United Nations must address the social, economic, political and psychological conditions that provide a fertile breeding ground for terrorism. We do have a moral responsibility to our citizens, to our children and to the coming generations, to make the world a better place for them by denying the terrorist his use of fear and intimidation.

Mervyn Assam, Minister for Enterprise Development and Foreign Affairs of Trinidad And Tobago 

It is imperative that we deal with all causes that lead to a feeling of injustice, deprivation and marginalization. This will prevent suspicious parties from exploiting these feelings to feed terrorism.

Habib Ben Yahia, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia

Being drawn into the trap of "double standards" in defining terrorism, or in dealing with it, is an inherent support for terrorism. Unfortunately, we have been witnessing several cases of double standards.

Ismail Cem, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkey

Turkmenistan shares the view that there is no alternative but peaceful resolution of the Afghanistan issue through negotiations.

Rashid Meredov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan

In our view, the pursuance of this "new culture of conflict prevention" is worthy and must take advantage of the new spirit of cooperation that is now emerging to facilitate the removing of causes of terrorism and threats to peace and stability.

Enele Sopoaga, Permanent Representative of Tuvalu

The oppressors, the colonialists and those who sought to control the destiny of others used barbaric methods. It is amazing, therefore, that some of those who claim to be fighting for the liberation of oppressed peoples also use barbaric means such as terrorism.

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda 

The terrorist acts in the United States demonstrated that the philosophy of hatred, which has no religious, ethnic or linguistic affiliation, became one of the key challenges of the contemporary world.

Anatoliy Zlenko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

This terrorist operation invites us to re-think the ways to face terrorism in all its kinds and forms, including by groups, by organizations, and by States, in addition to combating intolerance, extremism and racism.

Rashid Abdullah Al-Noaimi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates 

We do have to take every effective measure against the international terrorist networks, whose malign influence is felt in every part of the globe, not least by adopting the Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism and the draft Nuclear Terrorism Convention.

Jack Straw, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom

Terrorism is a wanton, cruel and indiscriminate crime. It is our ardent wish and hope that the multilateral approach taken by Member States will help rid the world of this scourge once and for all.

Jakaya M. Kikwete, Minister for Foreign Affairs and international Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania

In this world, there are good causes and bad causes, and we may disagree on where that line is drawn. Yet, there is no such thing as a good terrorist. No national aspiration, no remembered wrong, can ever justify the deliberate murder of the innocent.

George W. Bush, President of the United States 

To fight against [terrorism], it is also necessary to act upon other enemies of peace, such as poverty and underdevelopment, to give to every human being good reasons to live and to turn each one of us into active defenders of humankind.

Jorge Batlle Ibanez, President of Uruguay

The only way to deal with terrorists is to isolate them completely and stand up to them in the most uncompromising and resolute fashion.

Abdulaziz Kamilov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan

It is ironic that as the world becomes more civilized, we become more vulnerable to such inhuman acts of terrorism.

Alfred Carlot, Charge d'Affaires of Vanuatu

The fight against terrorism should be transformed into a war against war, the achievement of peace.

General Hugo Chavez Frias, President of Venezuela

No individual country can go solo in this fight. While members of the international community must act in a responsible manner not to tolerate, nurture and/or support the terrorists on its soil, they should bring the terrorists to justice or extradite them to the country where their acts of crime occur, so that they would be duly punished.

Nguyen Thanh Chau, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam

If the scourge of terrorism has this time struck the United States, the phenomenon of terrorism is not new. Regrettably, it has worsened because of negligence in confronting it.

Abdullah M. Alsaidi, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yemen

It is not enough to prevent terrorist attacks and to capture and punish their perpetrators. It is even more important to deal with social causes of terrorism. Poverty breeds anger, and if not channelled into democratic political process, anger can easily fuel extremism.

Goran Svilanovic, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Yugoslavia

Terrorism is a heinous and cowardly act, hated almost as much as we hated apartheid. ... However, the threat must not override burning issues such as the scourge of conflicts, poverty eradication, the debt problem and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Frederick J. T. Chiluba, President of Zambia and Chairman of the Organization of African Unity 

As the people of the United States grapple with the threat ... of anthrax, we in Zimbabwe ... know what it means and what you are going through. The anthrax spores that were spread by the racist regime of Ian Smith more than 21 years ago continue to claim victims exclusively within the black population in our country.

Stanislaus Mudenge, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe

I regret that it is not possible for me to reflect in these short remarks the rich ideas, profound insights and far-reaching visions that have been presented by some of the best minds of our world. I would just like to emphasize, therefore, that we share a responsibility to maintain and nurture the spirit of commitment and cooperation at the high political level that has been demonstrated in the general debate. We should direct our future work in the plenary and the main Committees in such a way as to best reflect the concerns, hopes and aspirations expressed by all delegations over the past week. I trust that our collective commitment will ensure that this task is successfully completed.

Concluding remarks of Han Seung-soo, President of the General Assembly