FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Uzbekistan Condemns Terrorist Acts and Expresses Its Condolence to the American People

September 12, 2001 - President of the Republic of Uzbekistan sent a letter to the President of the United States George W. Bush extending his condolence to him and the American people.

"The people of Uzbekistan are shocked to the innermost of their hearts and indignant at these inhuman acts of terror that took away the lives of thousands of innocent people"…"we kneel before the memory of those who perished" - says the message.

President Karimov condemned the terrorist acts and emphasized the importance of uniting international efforts on fighting against terrorism. "We strongly condemn this barbarian act of terrorists and are confident that they will be found and punished"…"In these dramatic moments we again realize the importance of uniting our efforts on resisting a terrible evil - terrorism. Uzbekistan once again confirms its resoluteness to cooperate with the United States in fighting this common threat" - says the letter.

Terrorism today represents a serious threat to international peace and security. During the OSCE Istanbul Summit in 1999, and the United Nations' Millennium Summit in 2000 Uzbekistan raised the issue of creating a special international body that would coordinate all efforts on fighting against terrorism, its manifestations, and sources of financing. Despite the fact that many states supported the initiative, it has not yet been realized in practice.

In the wake of the tragic events in the United States, the Republic of Uzbekistan appeals to international community and the UN Secretary General to take efficient and urgent measures on creating the International Counter-Terrorism Center under the aegis of the United Nations.