Amsterdam, 21 September 2001

 EU leaders voice full support for US 
in fight against terrorism 

 
In a special meeting in Brussels of the European Council, the prime ministers and the French Head of State condemned the terrorist attack and reaffirmed their commitment to fight terrorism and to stand side by side to the United States.

"The European Union will cooperate with the United States in bringing to justice and punishing the perpetrators, sponsors and accomplices of such barbaric acts."

The member states also committed themselves to act, under the condition military actions are taken with the full backing of the United Nations Security Council.

"On the basis of Security Council Resolution 1368, a riposte by the US is legitimate. The Member States of the Union are prepared to undertake such actions, each according to its means."

The Council stated that not only terrorists individually will be chased, but also states that harbour them. 

"The actions must be targeted and may also be directed against States abetting, supporting or harbouring terrorists."

The United Nations must get a prominent role in the fight against terrorism, according to the Council.

"Furthermore, the European Union calls for the broadest possible global coalition against terrorism, under United Nations aegis."