The United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, highlighted the 17 November terrorist attacks in Greece during a UN Security Council meeting marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Waltz referred to the Greek attacks while listing terrorist acts that have left a lasting mark on the national memories of countries around the world.
“For most of you, sadly, September 11 is not the only terrorist attack in your national memory,” the US ambassador said.
He cited the Bataclan attacks in France, the July 7 attacks in the United Kingdom, Beslan in Russia, the school massacre in Peshawar, Pakistan, the attack in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the 17 November attacks in Greece.
“Each one: death, destruction and so many innocent lives lost,” Waltz said, adding that “a common danger unites even the bitterest enemies.”
US envoy stresses unity against terrorism
Waltz argued that the shared experience of terrorism may help explain why the Security Council, which frequently remains divided on major issues, continues to reach unanimous agreement on condemning terrorism.
He recalled that 2,977 people were killed in the September 11 attacks, including citizens from more than 90 countries.
“Twenty-five years ago, it was the World Trade Center. It was an attack on the world,” Waltz said, while also paying tribute to the emergency responders who “did not run away. They ran towards the flames.”
The US envoy also recalled that the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1368 on September 11, 2001. Seventeen days later, the Council adopted Resolution 1373, which introduced measures to suppress terrorist financing, freeze assets and deny terrorists safe haven.
Waltz warns terrorism threat has evolved
Waltz warned that the international fight against terrorism remains unfinished, arguing that terrorist groups continue to adapt and exploit new technologies.
He specifically pointed to drones, artificial intelligence, encrypted communications and digital financial tools as technologies that terrorists can use.
“Let us call terrorism what it is. Let us cut off its funding. Let us deny it safe havens. Let us implement the resolutions of this Council,” Waltz said.
He ended his remarks with a simple message: “We will never forget.”
