Statement by Ambassador Richard Ryan, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations, in the Security Council
Mr. President,
We witnessed yesterday in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania an attack of barbarism and evil against innocent people. As the Secretary-General has just said this was an attack on all humanity and the values of humanity.
Every nation and every human being can only be affronted in the face of such evil.
On behalf of the Irish Government and people, I extend to the Government and people of the United States our deep and heartfelt sympathy.
Ireland’s Prime Minister, Mr.Bertie Ahern, said yesterday, that our thoughts, above all else, are now with the families of all the victims in their mourning and loss.
The Council of Ministers of the European Union, in special session this morning, has expressed its horror at yesterday’s terrorist attacks and its solidarity with the United States. Europeans have been asked to mark this horrific event on Friday, 14 September. We in Ireland will also do so.
Practically every village in Ireland is bonded -as family - with the American people. Our hearts and prayers go to those now heroically working - the police, the fire crews, the emergency services, doctors and nurses - to help the injured and save life.
The American people should know that they are not alone in their grief and revulsion at what has happened.
They are joined by decent men and women in every part of the world, from every cultural background, by people of every religion and of none.
Respect for the human rights of each and every person; for the right of every nation and every human being to live in freedom and dignity; these are fundamental principles for the United Nations.
It is these values that the perpetrators of yesterday’s crimes seek to destroy.
In our sorrow and loss, it is also right today to clearly assert that from evil can only come evil; that no cause can ever succeed that is based on mass murder and carnage; that those who perpetrate such deeds are the enemies of all peoples everywhere.
Those responsible for yesterday’s barbarism are the enemies of peace and justice. They must be brought to justice and the entire international community must work together towards this end. Here in the United Nations it is right to say today - in mourning and sadness but with absolute conviction and determination - they will not be allowed to succeed in seeking to destroy the goals and vision which the United Nations shares with all the peoples of the world.
Mr. President, Ireland supports fully the resolution before the Security Council.
