Remarks by Ambassador James F. Moriarty
on the 5th Anniversary of 9/11
Kamal Kunj
September 11, 2006, 10am
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I would like to thank everyone for coming here today on this solemn occasion to honor the nearly 3,000 victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. 

The victims of September 11th included citizens of more than 90 different countries and adherents of many faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.  As we honor their memories, five years ago to the day that they were murdered, we also reaffirm our unequivocal condemnation of all acts of terror.  No faith and no responsible member of the community of nations can condone the deliberate targeting and killing of innocent civilians.  No cause or grievance - no matter how legitimate – can ever justify it.

Terrorism has brought tragedy, destruction, death and terrible grief to innocent people across the world, from Indonesia to Morocco, Spain, Jordan, England, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand and Egypt, among others.  Since Osama Bin Laden declared war on America ten years ago, thousands of people of many nations, religions, races, and beliefs have been murdered as a result of his instigation or incitement of acts of terror.

The fight against terrorism is a concerted fight for values and principles that are universal.  Much more unites us as citizens of the world than divides us.  Across all borders, people share a common humanity.  While the color of our skin, the language we speak, or the way we worship may be different, people everywhere aspire to participate in their society, worship freely, live in security, and pursue education, jobs, and greater opportunities for their families. 

All major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Judaism, share a commitment to compassion, concern for the poor, and love of family and community.  All these faiths teach that life is precious, and that taking innocent life, including one’s own, is wrong.

We call on leaders of all faiths to work for mutual respect and understanding, and to send a clear message:  that murdering innocent people is always wrong.

Despite the attempts of some to characterize the world as being in the midst of a clash of civilizations, the simple fact is that the international community - east and west, north and south - has come together in unprecedented ways to confront common threats and ease human suffering. 

As we look back on September 11, 2001, we also look forward. 

We seek to work in a spirit of partnership with people and nations across the world to confront a twisted ideology of hate and foster a climate of hope and opportunity.  My nation and its people are far from perfect, yet we believe the ideals of freedom and justice that guide us are right and true for people everywhere.  We seek to work in partnership with nations in ways that will result in a more peaceful and prosperous world, and a better life for people everywhere.  And, on this fifth anniversary of the September 11th terror, my nation renews its commitment to our founding conviction that all people are equal and equally deserving of justice, respect, opportunity, and dignity    It is the least we can do for the victims of the 9/11 attacks, and for victims of terrorism everywhere.

I would now like to invite Dr. Sangita Rayamajhi, Associate Professor of English at Tribhuvan University and President of the Fulbright Alumni Association Nepal, to speak. 

Thank you.