AMBASSADOR
Ambassador's Speech
REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR EARL ANTHONY WAYNE AT AMIA/DAIA
November 29, 2006
Thank you Mr. Grinwald and Mr. Kirszenbaum for your remarks. Thank you also to all the journalists for coming today.
The fight against terrorism is extremely important. Because I want my remarks to be clearly understood, I will speak in English this afternoon.
It’s an honor for me to be here today to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 bombing of the Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA). This is my first opportunity to meet with the leadership of AMIA and DAIA since I arrived in Argentina. I want to express my appreciation not only for their kind welcome but more importantly for their dedication to keeping alive the memory of the victims and to seeing justice served.
The AMIA bombing was a vivid demonstration of the global reach of terrorists and their willingness to attack targets chosen because of their symbolic value and to kill indiscriminately. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 would again starkly underscore this new reality and the shared obligation of the civilized nations of the world to work together to address this modern day scourge. Both incidents -- and ongoing terrorism around the world -- remind us that no country or region is immune from terror. The work of preventing terrorism and of bringing perpetrators to justice is an essential task for governments. We can only succeed in these efforts if we build effective international cooperation.
The United States commends the government of Argentina and its judiciary for its resolute pursuit of justice against the perpetrators of the AMIA attack. We are prepared to support Argentina’s efforts in any way we can. Terrorists must be made to realize that they cannot hide from justice, and that the international community will not tolerate the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians.
As we come together to remember the AMIA victims and to express our support to the family members and friends who have suffered the loss of their loved ones, let us pray for justice and for peace, and that we will soon see a day when crimes of hate, racism and religious intolerance and prejudice are relegated to a painful but distant place in our collective memory.
Thank you very much.