02 October 2001
Text: NATO Says Conclusive Data Links Al Qaida to Sept. 11 Attacks
(Robertson invokes Article 5 of Washington Treaty) (470)
NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson says information received in
classified briefings by American officials "points conclusively" to a
role in the September 11 attacks in the United States by the Al-Qaida
terrorist network headed by Osama bin Laden.
On this basis, Robertson said October 2 at NATO headquarters in
Brussels, "it has now been determined that the attack against the
United States on 11 September was directed from abroad and shall
therefore be regarded as an action covered by Article 5 of the
Washington Treaty, which states that an armed attack on one or more of
the Allies in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack
against them all."
Following is the text of his statement:
(begin text)
NATO Headquarters
2 October 2001
STATEMENT BY NATO SECRETARY GENERAL, LORD ROBERTSON
This morning, the United States briefed the North Atlantic Council on
the results of the investigation into who was responsible for the
horrific terrorist attacks which took place on 11 September.
The briefing was given by Ambassador Frank Taylor, the United States
Department of State Coordinator for Counter-terrorism.
This morning's briefing follows those offered by United States Deputy
Secretary of State Richard Armitage and United States Deputy Secretary
of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, and illustrates the commitment of the
United States to maintain close cooperation with Allies.
Today's was classified briefing and so I cannot give you all the
details. Briefings are also being given directly by the United States
to the Allies in their capitals.
The briefing addressed the events of 11 September themselves, the
results of the investigation so far, what is known about Osama bin
Laden and the Al-Qaida organisation and their involvement in the
attacks and in previous terrorist activity, and the links between
Al-Qaida and the Taleban regime in Afghanistan.
The facts are clear and compelling. The information presented points
conclusively to an Al-Qaida role in the 11 September attacks.
We know that the individuals who carried out these attacks were part
of the world-wide terrorist network of Al-Qaida, headed by Osama bin
Laden and his key lieutenants and protected by the Taleban.
On the basis of this briefing, it has now been determined that the
attack against the United States on 11 September was directed from
abroad and shall therefore be regarded as an action covered by Article
5 of the Washington Treaty, which states that an armed attack on one
or more of the Allies in Europe or North America shall be considered
an attack against them all.
I want to reiterate that the United States of America can rely on the
full support of its 18 NATO Allies in the campaign against terrorism.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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