Stunned EU Vows to Stand by U.S.

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- Declaring a day of mourning for victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States, the European Union pledged Wednesday to "spare no efforts" to help U.S. authorities bring those responsible to justice.

After meeting in special session, EU foreign ministers issued a declaration asking "all Europeans to observe three minutes of silence" Friday at 6 a.m. EDT.

"We also declare Sept. 14, 2001, a day of mourning" across the 15-nation EU, the declaration said. "We were all victims of this attack," Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel said at a news conference.

The declaration added that the EU "will spare no efforts to help identify, bring to justice and punish those responsible: There will be no safe haven for terrorists and their sponsors.

"The Union will work closely with the United States and all partners to combat international terrorism."

The ministers called the special session to show, above all, solidarity with the United States and debate improvements in security at public buildings and airports in Europe, officials said.

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw called Tuesday's atrocities "an attack on all of us, an attack on freedom and democracy, on civilization and on humanity."

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer spoke of a "barbaric crime" and "an attack on all open societies."

EU Commission President Romano Prodi, referring to two world wars in Europe, said that "in the darkest hours of European history, America stood close with us, today we stand close by America."

The most immediate and practical offer of help came from the European Central Bank. It said it stood ready to defend the value of the dollar by intervening on money markets.

There was no immediate need. The U.S. dollar rose against other major currencies in European trading Wednesday morning with the euro at $0.9030, down from $0.9066 on Tuesday.

Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynders, whose country holds the EU presidency, said the terrorist attacks will have a "limited impact" on the EU economy, though he doubted the EU can stick to its forecast of a 2 percent economic growth rate this year.

On behalf of the EU finance ministers, he told reporters, "All measures will be taken to ensure the proper functioning of markets and the stability of the financial system."

EU foreign and security chief Javier Solana rallied moral and other support for the United States in telephone conversations with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and other Arab leaders.

NATO Secretary-general Lord Robertson attended the EU meeting and said on arrival, "We have to make clear to the world that (the EU and NATO) stand together. We are two organizations that speak with one voice, one strong voice."

Earlier, Robertson chaired a special meeting of the ambassadors of the 19 alliance member states. At the EU and NATO complexes, flags flew at half-staff.

Officials said the EU foreign ministers discussed improved security at public facilities, notably airports, to enhance safety, not only in Europe, but elsewhere, too.

EU foreign and security chief Javier Solana rallied moral and other support for the United States in telephone conversations with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and other Arab leaders.

Could I be more disgusted. Solana begging Arab nations show morality!!!!

1 posted on 09/12/2001 8:55:12 AM PDT by TheOtherOne

To: Blade, vrwc54, dennisw, Balding_Eagle,

2 posted on 09/12/2001 9:01:28 AM PDT by TheOtherOne

EU Commission President Romano Prodi, referring to two world wars in Europe, said that "in the darkest hours of European history, America stood close with us, today we stand close by America."

Give him credit. That's a class statement.

3 posted on 09/12/2001 9:06:52 AM PDT by Azzurri

I appreciate the EU support, and I think the European countries are genuine in their sympathy. I think Solana and the many Arabs are rejoicing or could not care less about this event.

4 posted on 09/12/2001 9:11:55 AM PDT by TheOtherOne

As for calling Arafat, give me a break! I am not impressed!

5 posted on 09/12/2001 9:27:18 AM PDT by PhiKapMom

We will find out if it was a class statement when we ask the countries of the EU permission to fly our planes over their airspace when attacking. When we hit Libya, France denied permission. For today, it is a class statement. I reserve judgment until I see how they react to our striking back!

This is true. However, Romano Prodi is Italian. Italy has always been supportive of the US during retaliation. Remember, the Libya attacks were launched from bases in Italy and US planes were allowed into their airspace. The French are another matter.

6 posted on 09/12/2001 9:31:36 AM PDT by Azzurri

Beware of the EU!!! They are not friends of freedom. Mark my words.

7 posted on 09/12/2001 9:48:05 AM PDT by poet

Ironically, ordering three minutes of silence would be a violation of the law in this country (separation of church and state donchaknow). Or maybe if the ACLU agrees everyone except school children could participate?

8 posted on 09/12/2001 10:12:49 AM PDT by Bob Burnett

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794