General Assembly
Fifty-sixth session
Agenda item 166
Measures to eliminate international terrorism

Letter dated 25 September 2001 from the representatives of Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Uzbekistan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary - General

Upon instructions from our Governments, we have the honour to transmit herewith a joint statement issued by the GUUAM States concerning the terrorist attacks that took place on 11 September 2001 in the United States of America.

We should be grateful if you would have the text of the present letter and its annex circulated as a document of the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly, under agenda item 166, and of the Security Council.

(Signed) Yashar hliyev
Charge d'affaires a.i. of the Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations

(Signed) Peter Chkheilze
Ambassador Permanent Representative of Georgia to the United Nations

(Signed) Ion Botnaru
Ambassador Permanent Representative of the Republic of Moldova
to the United Nations

(Signed) Valeriy Kuchinaky
Ambassador Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations

(Signed) Alisher Vohidov
Ambassador Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the United Nations

On 11 September 2001 the world witnessed an unprecedented series of terrorist acts in the United States of America. Thousands of innocent people fell victim to these crimes, of unparalleled cruelty and cynicism. At this difficult time the GUUAM States express their sympathy and solidarity with the American people.

A challenge was posed not only to the United States of America, but to the entire world community. The GUUAM States firmly condemn the actions of the terrorists and advocate that the forcrs which support terrorist acts should be subjected to the severe punishment which they deserve.

The events of 11 September demonstrated with merciless clarity the need to establish conditions in the system of international relations which would exclude the possibility of a repetition of such tragedies. The GUUAM States are prepared to participate actively in the consolidation of the efforts of the international community in the struggle against international terrorism.

24 September 2001