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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth expresses unity against terrorism

12 September 2001

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon has spoken of the association's solidarity with victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States.

"We are appalled by the tragedy that has befallen the American people. This cowardly attack on ordinary citizens doing ordinary things, on what has now become an extraordinary day, will never be forgotten. The sympathies of people all around the Commonwealth of Nations are with the American people and President Bush. We grieve with them at this time.

"I am speaking here in Sri Lanka, where the President and people of this country have known far too much terrorism. It was only six weeks ago that we were reminded of that by the attack at the airport, a very saddening reminder of just how callous these acts of terrorism can be.

"We in the Commonwealth have always condemned and opposed terrorism and will continue to do so. When Commonwealth leaders meet in Brisbane in three weeks time, I am sure they will repeat once again that condemnation, that opposition, that determination to do something about it. Once again the people of the Commonwealth will unite with free people everywhere to oppose, seek out and support the total disarming of those, wherever they may be, who would inflict terrorism on innocent people."

Note to Editors
The Secretary-General's statement above is extracted from his interview by Sri Lanka Television on 12 September, 2001.



01/58 12 September 2001

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