Remarks by Georgi Parzanov, the President of Bulgaria, and this month's President of the UN Security Council

The Security Council meets today in remembrance and resolve. One year ago, infamous and horrifying acts of terrorism took almost 3,000 innocent lives. They included nationals of half the countries of the world. These attacks changed the way we see our world. Today, the Council honours those innocents killed and injured in the attacks of 11 September 2001. The Council expresses solidarity with their families.

New York is the home of the United Nations. The Security Council admires this city's determination to forge ahead, to rebuild, not to give in to terrorism. The deaths and destruction of 11 September strengthen our common bonds and aspirations. The Council affirms that these attacks were an assault on global civilization and our common efforts to make the world a better and safer place. The world saw terrorists use civilian aircraft for mass murder. They struck at the ideals embodied in the Charter of the United Nations. The attacks challenged each member to rise to the task of defeating terrorism, which has claimed victims in all corners of the world.

Following 11 September 2001, both the General Assembly and the Security Council reacted in outrage and condemnation. They demanded that those responsible for these crimes be brought to justice. The Council described such acts, like any acts of international terrorism, as threats to international peace and security.

The international community has responded to the atrocities of 11 September with unyielding determination. A broad coalition of States has taken action against the Taliban, Al-Qaida, and their supporters. It did so in defence of common values and common security. Consistent with the high purposes of this institution and the provisions of the United Nations Charter, the coalition continues to pursue those responsible.

The international community as a whole provides vital support as Afghans rebuild their country. The Council applauds the efforts of so many from every continent and corner of the world. And, today, the Council also honours those who died in this common effort.

The Security Council gave substance to its determination to combat international terrorism with its historic resolution 1373 (2001). In it, we made the fight against terrorism a mandatory obligation of the international community, consistent with the United Nations Charter and international law. The Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee promotes cooperation and works to achieve the effective implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). The Council has also established and oversees the worldwide sanctions regime against Al-Qaida and the Taliban.

The Security Council calls on all States and regional and subregional organizations to carry forward and build on their cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Committee established by resolution 1267 (1999) of the Security Council.

The threat is real, the challenge is enormous, and the fight against terrorism will be long. The Security Council will remain steadfast against the threat that endangers all that has been achieved, and all that remains to be achieved, to fulfil the principles and purposes of the United Nations for all people everywhere.

Now let us remember and reflect with a minute of silence.