Organization of American States

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Press Release                                                                                                                     (E-204/01)

October 4,  2001

MOMENT OF SILENCE IN ANOTHER HEMISPHERIC
TRIBUTE TO TERRORISM'S VICTIMS

 

Staff and diplomats at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington paid tribute at noon today to the victims of the recent terrorist attacks on the United States, offering a moment of silence followed by expressions of sympathy and solidarity with their families and the people of the United States at large.

U.S. Ambassador to the OAS Roger Noriega said the event, organized by the OAS Staff Association, meant a lot to him personally and to his delegation.  He recalled being with "the inter-American family" at an OAS meeting in Lima, Peru, when word came about the attack that fateful September 11 morning.  "We are family in the Americas and we will respond as a family," he declared to the staff and hemispheric diplomats, adding that "this sort of terrorism has always strengthened that which it attacks."

Noting that President George W. Bush is well aware of the immediate response from the OAS, Noriega thanked the Organization and commended the leadership of its Staff Association for taking the initiative in organizing today's tribute. 

Colombia's Ambassador to the OAS, Humberto de la Calle, also conveyed his nation's solidarity, referring to the victims as "ours" as well, since many were from several OAS member countries.

OAS Secretary General César Gaviria, meanwhile, repeated the hemispheric solidarity, saying the Organization views the terrorist attack as an attack against all the nations of the Americas.   He pledged the Organization's members would "work side by side" with the government and people of the United States. 

The Assistant Secretary General, Luigi Einaudi, a U.S. national, cited the outpouring of solidarity as an anchor, explaining:  "This Hemisphere, represented by this Organization, is our anchor."

Staff Association President Marta Braga declared that in mourning the victims, the OAS staff members are honoring them, their families and those who lost their lives performing their duties.

 

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