James R. Keith - Speeches and Articles

September 11, One Year Later

By U.S. Consul General James Keith

(The Chinese version of this article was published by Apple Daily on September 11, 2002, and this article is not for commercial use.)

During the early morning one year ago on September 11, I was in Washington, D.C. preparing for Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang's visit. In a clear signal of our commitment to Hong Kong's future and in recognition of the vital role that Hong Kong can continue to play in the war on terror, Secretary Powell included the Chief Secretary among a select group of global leaders with whom he met in the immediate aftermath of the terrorists' attacks that day.

In choosing New York's World Trade Center, the foremost symbol of the free market in one of the capitals of the world's economy, terrorists sought to target the United States and all it stands for. They miscalculated badly. They attacked not just the United States, but the foundation of the global economy, the broad interaction between cultures, societies, economies, and political organizations that is accelerating mutual understanding and helping to bridge the many gaps that divide countries and societies throughout the world. The dead on September 11 – including tourists, immigrant service workers, and foreign businessmen -- came from more than 90 countries, and, sadly, included some from the Hong Kong SAR. The destruction of the Twin Towers led to worldwide economic losses estimated at US$350 billion, an economic toll that continues to be paid in part by Hong Kong citizens who benefit directly from global economic growth. Reaction to the acts of destruction in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania weakened industrialized countries and further crippled the developing world -- the very countries the terrorists claimed they wanted to help.

In choosing to attack the Pentagon, the terrorists sought to weaken the resolve of the American people. Instead, they deepened our determination to bring these criminals to justice and to root out terrorism throughout the world. Americans and their friends and allies throughout the world will not be deterred from building safe, stable societies that are based on the rule of law, protect the fundamental freedoms of their citizens, reflect the people's most cherished aspirations, and provide for the security and prosperity of generations to come.

In the past year, the world has responded to the very real threat of continuing terrorism with overwhelming solidarity. Authorities in more than 90 nations have arrested or detained over 2,400 terrorists, and countries from Morocco to Singapore have arrested local supporters of the international terrorist network. To date, 20 nations have deployed more than 16,000 troops to fight the terrorists and, after September 11, the United Nations has adopted binding resolutions that require UN member states to freeze the assets of those linked to terrorism, including Al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden elements. Since then, 161 nations have frozen over 100 million dollars of assets belonging to terrorist groups and those who support them.

The resolve of the international community is heartening. In June of this year the G-8 leaders launched a series of cooperative steps that will make it more difficult for terrorists to advance their violent goals. In July, the United States joined members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a joint declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism, promising to continue and improve cooperation in intelligence, law enforcement, tracking terrorist financial networks, and border control and immigration. We will continue to strengthen these cooperative bonds. We will not surrender to the threat of terrorism.

The United States deeply appreciates Hong Kong's leadership in this international fight. Hong Kong deserves credit for passing anti-terrorist financing laws in July to allow for the implementation of UN resolutions. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated Hong Kong officials, the global Financial Action Task Force made a tremendous start on the long-term effort to eradicate terrorists' access to financing. As a global financial center Hong Kong is well-placed to help lead this effort.

Hong Kong is a world leader in the shipping industry as well. Our proposal for a Container Security Initiative (CSI) is an ambitious effort that will require global coordination and cooperation. The task is daunting, but we have a responsibility to invest in a more stable and prosperous future. We think we can promote greater security for global trade and the nations that depend on it while protecting the fundamental commercial interests of the American and Hong Kong people. We will work together with the Hong Kong authorities to achieve mutually beneficial and mutually satisfactory results.

CSI is just one of the tools that the world's leaders have in the fight against terrorism. We must remain vigilant and seek other security innovations. Our enemies are not idle. The attacks we and our allies have suffered since September 11, such as the June 14 bombing of the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, make it painfully clear that terrorists are not finished yet with their violent agenda. Sadly, the litany of terror continues: the April bombing of a synagogue in Tunisia; the May attack on a group of French engineers in Pakistan.

We pause on the occasion of this anniversary to remember what is at stake. A terrible price was paid in defense of freedom and democracy one year ago. Despite the horror they inflicted, the terrorists of September 11 failed, and they failed utterly. Today, we honor the victims of September 11 and at the same time we speak with a unity of purpose that terrorists sought to demolish one year ago. They tore down our buildings, but they could not divide us, they could not leave us dispirited or defeated. Instead, they united us. We are stronger through our common loss and our common recognition of the genuine threat that we face together. On behalf of the American people I honor Hong Kong's loss, I respect Hong Kong's commitment, and I encourage Hong Kong's even greater contributions in the war on terror. In the words of President Bush, "This is the world's fight. This is civilization's fight. This is the fight of all who believe in progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom."