Nigeria, South Korea Voice Support for U.S. War on Terrorism

By Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2002 – The South Korean and Nigerian ambassadors to the United States March 11 delivered stirring remarks about the fight against worldwide terrorism to more than 1,000 people gathered on the White House East Lawn.

The ambassadors' remarks were part of the six-month remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America. They were among ambassadors from more than 120 countries, members of 29 coalition nations, members of Congress, the Bush Cabinet, Supreme Court and armed forces.

"The vice of Sept. 11, 2001, brought out the best of American virtues," said Nigerian Ambassador Jibril M. Aminu, a physician and professor of medicine. "We admire how the country achieved instant social mobilization and how all closed ranks, forgot their differences and renewed their patriotism to the homeland.

"Those who perished therein will never be forgotten nor will those who are giving their lives in the aftermath," Aminu said. "Our sympathies and solidarity with you in the struggle against international terrorism wax strong."

After voicing his sympathy and condolences to victims, families and friends afflicted by the Sept. 11 attacks, South Korean Ambassador Yang Sung Chul pointed out that the world is confronted with another global challenge: "terrorism, the enemy of humanity."

Yang said the Korean people will support the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism until it's eradicated. "Terrorism is the scourge of mankind," he said. "It has nothing to do with religion or culture and everything to do with death and destruction. It must not and will not be tolerated under any circumstances."

Yang quoted his president, Kim Dae-jung, as saying, "Terrorism is undeclared. Terrorism has no face. Terrorism kills innocent civilians. It is the most cowardly and cruel act of provocation. It is a heinous and barbaric crime that cannot be justified under any pretext. ... It must be rooted out at all cost."

"One lesson we all learned from the events of Sept. 11 is that no country is impregnable or invulnerable from such heinous crimes," Yang told the audience. "The eternal vigilance against terrorism of all kinds is the only safeguard against our inherent insecurity."

President Bush said every civilized nation has a part in the struggle against worldwide terrorism because every nation has a stake in the outcome.

"There can be no peace in a world where differences and grievances become an excuse to target the innocent for murder," Bush said. "In fighting terror, we fight for the conditions that will make lasting peace possible. We fight for lawful change against chaotic violence, for human choice against coercion and cruelty, and for the dignity and goodness of every life."

Noting that the flags of coalition nations were on display at the White House, Bush said, "We have come together to mark a terrible day, to reaffirm a just and vital cause, and to thank the many nations that share our resolve and will share our common victory."