"The attack was aimed against freethinking people and did not distinguish between their nationality, religion or race. This is a reason why terrorist acts cannot be justified," the Monday release reads.

The ministry further stressed that the terrorist attack of September 11 altered the security relations in the international arena as established after the Cold War.

After the attack, the international community upgraded its efforts in fighting terrorism, which entailed taking comprehensive action on a global level.

This is why today the fight against terrorism is on the agenda of almost all multilateral forums: the UN, the EU, NATO, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and others, the ministry said.

As a responsible member of the international community, Slovenia has been active in the global fight against terrorism from the very beginning.

In line with its capabilities it is actively involved in international political and diplomatic efforts. With its presence on the ground, it is contributing to stabilising regions which would otherwise present fertile ground for the development of terrorist activities, the ministry also pointed out.

The ministry also marked the anniversary with a short ceremony at which State Secretary Bozo Cerar addressed invited members of the diplomatic corps by condemning terrorism and calling for broad international cooperation in fighting terrorism.

On Sunday, the tragic events of September 11 were also remembered by Prime Minister Janez Jansa, who pointed out that modern terrorism strikes where it discovers weaknesses. He added in a press release that fighting terror thus calls for comprehensive efforts by the entire international community.

Jansa said that Slovenia would continue to work closely with the countries with which it shares values and principles of democracy, the respect for human rights and the rule of law.

The US Embassy in Ljubljana thanked the PM and the ministry for their statements. Ambassador Thomas Robertson and employees at the embassy meanwhile honoured the memory of September 11 with a minute's silence and by lowering the US flag to half staff.

Source: Slovene Press Agency STA

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