As Americans reeled from the apparent terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, nearly the entire world reacted with a mix of sympathy and outrage.
Canadians Ready to Extend Medical Help to US
Canadian hospitals and medical agencies have got ready to extend medical help to the victims of Tuesday’s attack on US, local press reported.
Toronto Emergency Medical Services was preparing this afternoon to send 50 paramedics to the United States.
Hijackers hijacked four US airplanes carrying 266 people Tuesday in devastating attacks on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Two crashed into the World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon, while the fourth crashed near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
US President George W. Bush said on Tuesday night that thousands of lives were suddenly ended in evil terrorist attacks on the United States.
At Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Center in Toronto, some doctors, including the director of the hospital’s air-ambulance program, were waiting for clearance from the US government to fly to New York.
Craig Duhel, manager of public affairs, confirmed that the doctors were headed to the city, after "several phone calls” between US and Canadian government officials during which an offer of services was made.
Mexico's President Reiterates Solidarity With the U.S
Mexican President Vicente Fox reiterated on Tuesday to his US counterpart, President George W. Bush, the solidarity of the Mexican people and expressed his vigorous condemnation to the terrorist attacks perpetrated across the United States.
In his message, read before the press at the Presidential Residence in Los Pinos, the Mexican leader confirmed his government rejects every form of violence and terrorism.
Fox said his administration has adopted preventive measures to guarantee the works of the financial markets and banks, as well as the security of diplomatic representations.
The Mexican leader cancelled official celebrations for the anniversary of the Mexican Independence, next September 16.
Fox added that his Security Cabinet will stay watching to be aware of the events in the northern neighboring country.
British PM Talks With European Leaders Over US Attack
British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday held telephone talks with the leaders of France, Germany and Russia to coordinate their response to the devastating attacks on key landmarks in the United States.
Blair's official spokesman said the prime minister spoke by telephone to French President Jacques Chirac, French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The conversations aimed "to begin in earnest discussions as to how the international community can respond to today's events in New York and Washington and the threat of this kind of terrorism poses to the whole international community," the Downing Street spokesman said.
Earlier, Blair had vowed to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with his trans-Atlantic ally after two hijacked airliners ploughed into the World Trade Center in New York and another plane hit the Pentagon in Washington.
"This is not a battle between the United States of America and terrorism, but between the free and democratic world and terrorism, " he said after chairing a crisis meeting of the government’s special security committee.
As the closest ally to the United States, Britain also put the whole country on full alert shortly after the devastating attacks targeted on New York and Washington.
British airports, cities and government buildings were all on heightened security alert. All private aircraft have been grounded and no flights allowed on the normally busy flight paths over London until further notice.
Police across the country were also put on alert and British defense facilities across world were also told to be on alert.
British citizens are being advised to take great care if they are living abroad in sensitive areas, to stay in their compounds, to avoid obvious areas of potential risk and to have great care for their safety.
European Union (EU) leaders denounced the unprecedented attacks on US cities as acts of barbarism Tuesday and said they stood by the United States.
Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, whose country holds current EU presidency, said all the EU leaders had been very shocked by the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon near Washington D.C.
"It is a tragedy not only for the United States but for the whole world," Verhofstadt said after arriving at a Brussels airport returning from a summit meeting in Yalta, Ukraine. European Commission President Romano Prodi and EU Commissioner for external relations Christopher Patten returned with Verhofstadt from the EU-Ukraine summit.
Verhofstadt said that he, as current rotating EU president, would be in touch with US President George W. Bush later Tuesday evening.
Speaking on behalf of all the EU institutions, Verhofstadt said the only words that could be used to describe the attacks were " acts of barbarism."
"I want to express, in the name of the EU, our entire solidarity with the United States, with our American friends and with the American people, with our allies...," Verhofstadt said.
EU foreign ministers and the European Commission would discuss the attacks at special meetings in Brussels Wednesday, he said.
NATO Holds Emergency Meeting on US attacks
NATO ambassadors held a special meeting here Tuesday night to discuss the wave of terror attacks on US cities.
The 19-member alliance's North Atlantic Council, the decision- making body, said after the meeting that NATO will keep solidarity with the United States "at this moment of great tragedy and mourning."
"Our deepest sympathy lies with the victims, their families and all Americans. The NATO nations unanimously condemn these barbaric acts committed against a NATO member state," the council said in a statement.
"The mindless slaughter of so many innocent civilians is an unacceptable act of violence without precedent in the modern era. It underscores the urgency of intensifying the battle against terrorism, a battle that the NATO countries - indeed all civilized nations - must win,” it said.
Earlier, two planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, demolishing its twin towers, and a passenger aircraft slammed into the Pentagon in Washington D.C., setting off a huge explosion and fire.
Indonesian Govt Condemns Attacks in US
The Indonesian government Wednesday condemned attacks at the World Trade Center building in New York and Pentagon building in Washington D.C.
A press release issued by the State Secretariat said the Indonesian government expressed its deep condolence and sympathy to the government and people of the US, especially to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy.
The press release, signed by State Secretary Bambang Kesowo, said the government has instructed its mission in New York and Washington D.C. to take all necessary measures to assist any Indonesian citizen who might be among the victims in those incidents.
Separately, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda also condemned the attacks.
"The government of Indonesia condemned those barbaric and indiscriminate attacks that have resulted in great number of innocent people lost their lives and wounded as well as material damage caused," he was quoted by the Jakarta Post as saying.
The security of the US embassy complex and Ambassador Robert Gelbard’s residence in Jakarta was tightened on Tuesday night shortly after a series of attacks in the US Full-armed police were seen on alert at the two locations.
Goh Chok Tong Sends Condolences to US President Bush
Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, who is currently on leave in Perth, Australia, has conveyed his deep condolences to US President George Bush, for the tragic loss of lives caused by the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Singapore.
In a letter late last night to the US president, the prime minister wrote that he is shocked by the incident and also extended his deep condolences to the families of all the bereaved.
He also wrote that Singapore joins the US in strongly condemning these acts of terrorism.
Meanwhile, the MFA released a statement saying the Singapore government is shocked and outraged by the senseless and tragic loss of innocent lives.
The statement said that the government expressed its deepest condolences to the victims and their families and to the government of the United States.
It also affirmed that the Singapore government joined others in condemning these acts of terrorism.
Japanese PM Denounces Terrorist Attacks on US
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Wednesday denounced Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the United States and vowed to work to prevent the incident from triggering worldwide economic confusion, Kyodo News reported.
"This is a challenge not only to the US but also to other democracies," Koizumi told a top-level security meeting held at his official residence.
"It is important that countries cooperate to deal with such terrorist attacks. I also think it important to prevent confusion in the economic systems of the world and Japan. We will make preparations for assisting the US as soon as possible," he said.
The Security Council of Japan was meeting to discuss ways to deal with the attacks, in which three hijacked airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington. A fourth hijacked plane crashed in Pennsylvania.
The meeting, the first of the council since March 1999, was attended by all Japanese cabinet members.
Koizumi's comments came as the Tokyo stock price gauge sank below the 10,000 threshold for the first time in 17 years on Wednesday morning as chaos swept world financial markets following the terrorist attacks.
The Japanese prime minister also told the meeting that he has issued instructions to tighten security at US-related facilities in Japan.
PNA Condemns "Criminal Acts" in US
The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) expressed regret at, and condemned, "the criminal attacks" in the United States against the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the State Department.
"The Palestinian leadership declares its deep regret at, and strong condemnation of, the criminal attacks against the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the State Department," a statement issued by the PNA Tuesday afternoon said.
"The Palestinian leadership offers its sincere condolences to the US people, government and President George W. Bush, as well as to the families of the innocent victims of the criminal attacks," the statement added.
Earlier in the day Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat condemned the attacks as "very serious and unacceptable acts."
Meanwhile, Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) voiced opposition to all violent acts targeting innocent civilians while attributing Tuesday's attacks to the "US policies" towards hot spots worldwide.
Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on Tuesday condemned the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington of the United States that occurred earlier in the day.
Speaking to reporters, Arafat said, "We are completely shocked. It's unbelievable."
He added, "We completely condemn this very dangerous attack, and I convey my condolences to the American people, to the American president and to the American administration, not only in my name but on behalf of the Palestinian people."
Hijacked airplanes respectively destroyed the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York and damaged the Pentagon in Washington on Tuesday morning
Mandela Shocked by Attacks Against US Targets
Former South African president Nelson Mandela said here on Tuesday that he was in shock after terror attacks on targets in the United States on Tuesday morning.
Mandela watched the attacks on television in Johannesburg and was silenced with shock, his spokeswoman Zelda la Grange said.
"Mr. Mandela condemns any terrorist attack, especially where innocent lives are lost," la Grange said.
"He sends his condolences to the United States," she added.
Mandela was scheduled to leave for New York on Sunday to attend a special session for children at the United Nations headquarters.
"We will decide in the next few days if the trip will go ahead, " la Grange said.
Israel Promises Utmost Assistance to US
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on Tuesday that the Israeli government will provide " any and all necessary assistance" to the United States hit by a series of attacks earlier in the day.
Shortly after the attacks, Sharon spoke with US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer and expressed his condolences to the victims of the attacks, saying that Israel "is prepared to render any and all necessary assistance."
Israeli President Moshe Katsav expressed deep shock "over the disastrous and brutal terrorist attacks, perpetrated by heartless and bloodthirsty individuals."
Katsav has conveyed "deep sorrow" on behalf of the Israeli people to US President George W. Bush.
Israeli Defense Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer also expressed deep shock and condolences to the US government and the American people.
Ben Eliezer has approved the dispatch of Israeli army rescue units to the United States.
He was also holding consultations with the security establishment in order to analyze the terrorist attacks in the United States with the goal of being able to respond to possible scenarios.
Israeli Transport Minister Ephraim Sneh has banned foreign passenger planes from flying to and from Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel has heightened security around US installations in it.
Mbeki Calls on Int'l Community to Unite Against Terrorism
South African President Thabo Mbeki reacted with shock to Tuesday's terror attacks on the United States and called on the international community to unite against global terrorism.
"The president has learnt with shock and dismay of today’s terror attacks in cities of United States of America. On behalf of the people and the government of South Africa, the president condemns these dastardly actions," a presidential statement said on Tuesday.
"The government further calls on the international community to unite against global terrorism," it said.
The statement said the South African government was confident that the United States authorities would ensure the perpetrators of the attacks would face the full might of the law.
Also on Tuesday, former president Nelson Mandela, who was scheduled to travel to New York on Sunday for a United Nations special session on children, watched the events unfold on television and was too shocked to comment personally.
"Mr Mandela condemns any terrorist attack, especially where innocent lives are lost," his spokeswoman Zelda la Grange said.
"He sends his condolences to the United States and will decide in the next few days if the trip will go ahead," la Grange said.
The United States' embassy in Pretoria and the mission in Cape Town said they would be offering only essential services in the wake of the attacks.
The SA Police Services (SAPS) would be taking special security measures, SAPS Superintendent Gert Ackron said, adding the SAPS international liaison office measures of an "operational nature” were being undertaken.
He did not elaborate on the measures for "security reasons".
The US missions in Pretoria and Cape Town were being carefully watched, he said.
Johannesburg International Airport, the SAPS and the Civil Aviation Authority said they had put a process in place to increase security for all flights in the wake of the attacks.
A statement from Airports Company South Africa said the measures that were in place were sufficient to handle any disruptions to inbound or outbound flights.
South African Airways announced the cancellation of all its flights to and from the United States.
Spokesman Victor Nosi said all flights between South Africa, Atlanta and New York would be affected.
"South Africa Airways is deeply concerned about the situation currently unfolding in the US," he said.
"We have decided to cancel all flights to and from the US We will review the situation as we receive more information," Nosi said.
Political parties across South Africa also roundly condemned the attacks.
The African National Congress (ANC) said they were appalled by the attacks.
"We regret the loss of innocent lives in these senseless attacks, such attacks can only create instability worldwide," ANC Spokesman Smuts Ngonyama said.
He also offered the ANC's support to the US government in their efforts to deal with the crisis.
Democratic Alliance Chief Whip Douglas Gibson said the "almost unbelievable events" underscored again the threat terrorism posed to the peace-loving peoples of the world.
Less than one week after the World Conference Against Racism turned its back on intolerance in Durban, "we have what amounts to a declaration of war on the United States", Gibson said in a statement.
The evacuation of the White House, the Capitol and the Pentagon, and the massive dislocation of New York and Washington, were an indication of how effective terrorist attacks could be, he said.
United Democratic leader Bantu Holomisa also extended his party 's condolences to the families of victims of the attacks.
"We are dismayed by this news. We believe that the US will pull through this tragedy. The possible links to the situation in the Middle East have yet to be confirmed, but if it proves accurate, it should emphasize once and for all that the situation requires a global and united effort by the whole international community."
In another statement, the African Christian Democratic Party said it deplored the attacks "with shock and horror".
The Congress of SA Trade Unions said there was no conceivable political justification for such acts.
Freedom Front leader Pieter Mulder said the attack meant international terrorism had reached its peak.
"One can only guess what the results would have been, if these terrorists had access to nuclear weapons. This type of terrorism can only be eradicated through a combined effort world-wide," he said.
A Christian movement, United Christian Ministries (UCM), called on governments worldwide to condemn terrorism.
UCM spokeswomen Tumi Tlale said the movement had warned against justifying terrorist action for years.
"Terrorism remains terrorism no matter what excuses the cowardly murderers may put forward," he said.
Federal Alliance leader Louis Luyt said: "These terrorists need to be apprehended wherever they may be hiding and that swift and decisive action will follow against those harboring these cowards” Another plane is to land at an airport in Canada in less than one hour, he said.
S.Korea Considers Dispatching "119 Rescue Team" to US
South Korea is considering dispatch of a rescue team to the United States to join rescue operations in connection with the devastating terrorist attacks in New York and Washington Tuesday.
The South Korean government is contacting the US government through its missions there to sound out the possibility of sending unidentified number of South Korea's "119 rescue squad."
"The US government has yet to decide whether to accept Seoul' s offer for the emergency rescue operation, but we are ready to provide every possible assistance to the United States," said an official of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Telephone services between South Korea to US cities have been paralyzed since Tuesday night after the terrorist attacks.
South Korea's two air carriers -- Korean Air and Asiana Airlines Wednesday decided to cancel all passenger and cargo flights to the United States.
In addition, the South Korean National Assembly, or parliament decided Wednesday to cancel the parliamentary annual inspection of the country's diplomatic missions in the United States following the horrible terrorist attack.
(china.org.cn 09/12/2001)
