OSCE Chairperson, on tenth anniversary of 9/11 attacks, expresses solidarity with American people, calls for intensified co-operation against transnational threats

VILNIUS, 8 September 2011 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, speaking ahead of the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, today expressed solidarity with the people of the United States and called for intensified co-operation among OSCE participating States and Partner countries to counter transnational threats.

“The horrific attacks of 11 September 2001 were a strike against humanity and the values we hold dear. Today, the entire OSCE community stands with the American people in remembering all those who lost their lives in the attacks, and honouring the heroes who rushed to the aid of the survivors. Ten years later, this dark day stands as a sobering reminder of the need for closer co-operation in eradicating the scourge of terrorism and facing other transnational threats,” Ažubalis said.

“We must show greater unity of purpose and action in confronting these shared threats, while safeguarding the fundamental freedoms and human rights that the terrorists would take from us.”

“The OSCE will continue working with its participating States and Partner countries in the Mediterranean and Asia to prevent and combat terrorism, and ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law as a fundamental part of comprehensive security.”