Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen in Temppeliaukio church, Helsinki on 11.9.2002

(check against delivery)


Where were you today one year ago?

One year ago today we were shocked by the horrific terrorist attacks in the United States. The German Federal President Johannes Rau was on a state visit to Finland on that very same day. We were appalled at the news and decided to cancel the rest of the visit. This was not just another terrible incident; the impact would be felt everywhere in the world.

Now we are gathered here to remember the 3,000 people who died. The vast majority of the victims were Americans, but the dead also included more than 500 people representing 91 other nationalities. Even though there were no Finns among them, there were immediate and spontaneous outbursts of compassion and sorrow in this country. It was an unjustified attack against our American friends and also an attack against all nations. It was a crime against humanity.

The terrorists will not succeed in their aspirations to destroy trust between nations. The fight against terrorism remains a collective undertaking. A unity of purpose has been displayed in UN resolutions and in joint political and military actions. We need sustained efforts in our endeavour. Joint diplomatic actions, co-operation between juridical and law enforcement authorities are and remain indispensable in our determination to fight and prevent terrorism.

In the fight against terrorism it is essential that we remain true to our own values. Finns and Americans cherish democracy, human rights, the rule of law as well as individual rights and freedoms. These form the basis of our moral high ground. Terrorists will not shake our commitment to these values.

We Finns have shared the grief of the American people. We have supported and participated in US-led efforts to apprehend terrorists and fight against terrorism. Finns will continue to support the American people and remain a reliable partner of the United States.