National day of mourning: World peace must be maintained

Published: Wednesday, September 12, 2001

'The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI), which represents 160 women's non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Ireland wishes to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to all those who have died, been injured or have lost loved ones in the terrible attacks on Tuesday in USA. The attack on innocent women, men and children is an attack on all of humanity and we in NWCI have been stunned and deeply saddened by the events. It is a happening we hoped never to have seen in our lifetimes and we know that the repercussions, personally, politically and financially are not yet even calculable' declared NWCI Chairwoman, Ms. Gráinne Healy.

'It is against this background that we have decided to wholeheartedly participate in the national day of mourning declared for tomorrow (Friday) in Ireland and our offices will be closed for the day' she continued.

She went on to say that the Board and staff of NWCI wish to convey a message to the Irish Government, EU leaders and other world leaders currently discussing appropriate reactions to the dreadful attacks. 'We urge world leaders to take time to reflect on the appalling loss of life in a spirit, which ensures that their responses and reactions result in a strengthening of resolve to create global peace. We want no further acts of mass bloodshed or destruction' stated Ms. Healy. 'While those who have perpetrated these atrocious acts should be brought to justice, it is essential that in this process, global unity be promoted following established legal justice routes. The leaders of the world must help us as one human race to move towards re-establishing world peace in our time' she concluded.