Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Ha Noi, Sept. 12 (VNA) -- The Viet Nam-U.S. Friendship Association on Sept. 10 held a memorial service for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S.

Representatives from the Embassy, non-governmental organizations and businesspeople of the U.S. in Viet Nam were present at the function.

On the first commemoration of the Sept. 11 event, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh said "the terror attack that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent people has shocked the United States and the world. Once again, we extend our condolences and deep sympathies to the Government and people of the U.S. and the bereaved families."

"The event, has made mankind deeply aware of the serious danger of terrorism. It reminds the international community to exert efforts on the basis of respecting the UN Charter, international law, national independence and sovereignty to resolutely eliminate terrorism from mankind's life.

Now as before, Viet Nam resolutely condemns and opposes any terror actions in any forms," Ms. Thanh stressed, adding that Viet Nam has taken part in eight international conventions on anti-terrorism and will continue to consider taking part in other conventions. Viet Nam has together with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the United Nations strongly condemned and taken concrete actions against international terror activities.

She said that fighting terrorism is a long struggle which is closely connected with humankind's struggle for a world of peace, stability, equality and development.

"Viet Nam will continue cooperating with the U.S. and the international community in this struggle. At the same time, Viet Nam calls upon the U.S and concerned countries to cooperate with us in severely punishing those forces that carry out terror actions and schemes against Viet Nam,".-Enditem