OSCE Chairman De Gucht statement on fifth anniversary of 9/11 attacks

BRUSSELS, 11 September 2006 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, issued the following statement :

"On the day of the fifth anniversary of the 11 September attacks, we remember the victims, extend our deep sympathy to their families and express our forceful condemnation of all acts of terrorism.

"The threat of terrorism is a serious concern for all states in the OSCE region. We are steadfast in our commitment to fight terrorism, and the OSCE is deeply involved in working with others in this regard. However, when fighting terrorism, we need to ensure that the fundamental freedoms and human rights, to which we all adhere and attach so much importance, are not sacrificed in the name of protecting citizens. We should conduct our struggle against terrorism in conformity with international human rights and humanitarian law standards."