SPEECH BY AMBASSADOR ODEEN ISHMAEL OF GUYANA (ON BEHALF OF THE LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN GROUP) AT THE OPENING OF THE 56TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NEW YORK, 12 SEPTEMBER 2001

Posted September 13th. 2001

Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary General
Excellencies
Members of delegations,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

Allow me first of all, Mr. President, on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean Group to express sincere congratulations to you on your election as President of this 56th Session of the General Assembly. You are bringing to this post a wealth of experience and skills from an illustrious career in academia and as the holder of ministerial and other appointments at the highest levels of government. The Latin American and Caribbean Group has every confidence that you will provide the leadership and vision needed at this critical juncture of the history of the Organization as significant developments in international relations continue to have an important impact on the work and activities of the United Nations.

I also wish to convey the Group's appreciation to your predecessor HE Mr. Harri Holkeri of Finland for his excellent stewardship over the past year.

Mr. President,
The Latin American and Caribbean Group welcomes resolution A/56/L.1 (condemning the terrorist attacks on the United States of America) that will be adopted today by the Assembly. We take this opportunity to strongly condemn the almost unimaginable tragedy that occurred yesterday - a disastrous series of cruel and barbaric acts in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania that resulted in the loss of many, many innocent lives. We extend heartfelt sympathy to the Government and people of the United States, and particularly to the victims of the dastardly acts that have been perpetrated. In the host city New York, we share the pain of its residents and salute the courage of the firemen, police officers and others who gave their lives in a display of valour and courage that will be remembered forever.

Mr. President,
The terrorist acts of yesterday must strengthen the resolve of the international community to condemn in the strongest possible way, all forms of terrorism which are a threat to international peace and security. The Group reaffirms that those responsible must be brought to justice and we stand in full support of the Government and people of the United States at this time.

We also reiterate our full support of the resolution presented by you, Mr. President, as well as the resolution adopted earlier today by the Security Council, on this matter of international terrorism.

I thank you.

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