UN Annan Issues Statement on Attack

Annan condemns terrorist attacks on US - 10 September – 11 September -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan today condemned the terrorist attacks on key targets in the United States, and stressed that no just cause could be advanced by terror.

"There can be no doubt that these attacks are deliberate acts of terrorism, carefully planned and coordinated -- and as such I condemn them utterly," the Secretary-General said in a statement issued at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Calling for terrorism to be fought "wherever it appears," the UN chief said that, in such moments, "cool and reasoned judgement" was more essential than ever. "We do not know yet who is behind these acts, or what objective they hope to achieve," he said.

Expressing condolences to the victims and their families, Mr. Annan said "our first thoughts and prayers must be for them." He also expressed condolences to "the whole people and Government of the United States."

"We are all traumatized by this terrible tragedy," the Secretary-General said. "We do not know yet how many people have been killed or injured, but inevitably the number will be high."

The statement was issued after two airplanes crashed into the World Trade Centre in New York -- collapsing them both -- and a third airplane targeted the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., bringing a portion of it crumbling to the ground.

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