EU renews solidarity with U.S. in fight against terrorism
on anniversary of Sept. 11
By PAUL GEITNER- Associated Press Writer
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) _ The second anniversary of the Sept.
11 attacks on the United States was marked Thursday with a moment
of silence at European Union headquarters and a renewal of vows
of solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, U.S. Ambassador to the
EU Rockwell Schnabel and visiting officials from Washington were
invited to the regular weekly meeting of EU ambassadors for a
memorial ceremony.
Ambassador Umberto Vattani from Italy, the current EU president,
pledged in a brief speech to seize every opportunity» to
support initiatives against terrorism.
"The European Union and the United States share common values,
including democratic traditions and the rule of law" he said.
"From these shared values, we should move toward common actions
to spread all over the world a culture of tolerance, respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms".
In a joint statement, the 15 EU governments reaffirmed their close
solidarity "with the United States and other countries hit
by terrorism and their great determination» to combat terrorism
through the broadest possible international cooperation".
They noted significant results "achieved so far, including
the arrest and trials of suspects, the disruption of terrorist
cells and the freezing of assets and sources of funding, while
stressing more needed to be done.
Pursuing a comprehensive approach, promoting dialogue among cultures
and civilizations, respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms
in the fight against terrorism are key elements and an integral
part of this wide ranging commitment", it said.
The low-key ceremony at EU headquarters also included words of
shock and condolence over the death of Swedish Foreign Minister
Anna Lindh, who was especially popular in Brussels for supporting
more European integration. Lindh died Thursday morning, a day
after being stabbed by an unknown assailant in Stockholm.
Other events and speakers marked both events.
"Two years ago we were all Americans. Today I think we're
all Swedes", said Jean-Louis Bourlanges, a French conservative
member of the European Parliament, during a confirmation hearing
for the new European Central Bank nominee.
While on an official visit to Denmark, the Secretary General of
NATO, Lord Robertson, expressed his sympathy as well. "The
world, on Sept. 11 again with a horrible irony, has lost a very
substantial contributor to a better and safer world", he
said.
