Statement by the President of the Republic 7.10.2001

The USA ascribes responsibility for the acts of terrorism perpetrated in the United States on 11.9.2001 to the Al-Qaida organisation led by Osama bin Laden. President Bush and Prime Minister Blair have
announced that the armed forces of their countries have undertaken military actions against Al-Qaida and military targets belonging to the Taleban regime.

It was declared at a meeting of the European Council on 21.9.2001 that retaliatory action by the United States was justified on the basis of Resolution 1368 of the UN Security Council.

President Halonen and Prime Minister Lipponen have discussed the events. The President has also been in contact with Minister for Foreign Affairs Tuomioja. A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy has been convened for 9 a.m. on 8.10.2001 and will be chaired by the President.