UN commemorates 9/11; calls to intensify anti-terror effort

Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the United Nations today vowed to intensify its battle against terrorism and asked members states to step up efforts to tackle the menace given the proliferation of terrorist threats.

"September 11 will mark our collective memory forever. We all remember what we were doing when we heard what was happening. Our shock and disbelief at this horror are indescribable," UN General Assembly President Joseph Deiss said today in a ceremony to mark the 9/11 anniversary.

He expressed solidarity for victims of terrorist acts who are attacked randomly and without respite throughout the world. "We are here to express our indignation at the cowardice of terrorism, condemn it firmly and categorically, combat it and see that the guilty are punished."

Deiss said that global action is crucial in responding to international terrorism, which he called an "intolerable violation" of the purposes and principles of the UN and its ideals of peace, security and friendship among peoples.

"Given the proliferation of terrorist threats and actions, we must intensify our efforts without delay," he said.

In his message on the 9/11 anniversary, UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon said the world cannot let terrorism tear apart the human family.

"To truly honour the memory of those who died ?" and the sacrifice of the brave responders who rushed to the scenes of the attacks ?" all people must stand against terrorism."

He said like so many other people and institutions around the world, the United Nations too had been a target of terrorism, including just two weeks ago in Nigeria.

"No cause or grievance can ever justify such wanton killing and destruction."