• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Text: EU Declares Solidarity with U.S.; Aid to Afghanistan is Priority

(EU statement issued October 17 in Luxembourg) (400)
The European Union (EU) issued a statement October 17 in Luxembourg
that declares "total solidarity" with the United States -- "with which
it shares the objectives of combating terrorism" -- reiterates the
importance of "a multilateral and global approach under United Nations
aegis in order to strengthen the international coalition in its fight
against terrorism in all its aspects," and sets as an "absolute
priority" emergency humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
Following is the text of the statement:
(begin text)
Luxembourg
17 October 2001
Council conclusions of 17 October 2001
ACTION BY THE EUROPEAN UNION FOLLOWING THE ATTACKS IN THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA
1. The European Union declares its total solidarity with the United
States, with which it shares the objectives of combating terrorism. It
reiterates the importance of its close consultations with the United
States. It confirms its wholehearted support for the action taken in
the context of legitimate defence and in accordance with the UN
Charter and UN Security Council Resolution 1368.
2. The Council reiterated the importance of a multilateral and global
approach under United Nations aegis in order to strengthen the
international coalition in its fight against terrorism in all its
aspects. The Union will act with determination within the United
Nations and the other international organisations competent for
furthering the fight against terrorism. It will take advantage, in
particular, of the November Ministerial session of the United Nations
General Assembly to advance its objectives.
3. Emergency humanitarian aid in Afghanistan is an absolute priority
of the Union, which undertakes to mobilise without delay aid amounting
to more than EUR 320 million. In this respect, the releasing of EUR 25
million from the reserve will enable the Commission (ECHO) to respond
to the most urgent humanitarian needs. Mobilisation and convoying of
aid will be regularly examined.
4. The Council expresses its concern at the difficulties of access and
of convoying humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. It supports the efforts
of the United Nations specialised agencies, of the ICRC [International
Committee of the Red Cross] and of all humanitarian organisations in
seeking practical and flexible solutions. The Council also appeals to
the countries of the region to facilitate by all means possible the
humanitarian operations for hosting fresh flows of Afghan refugees and
will implement the necessary means to assist them in doing so.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)