Press Statement

The September 11th tragedy in New York and Washington DC sent shock waves throughout America and the world. The loss of many lives leads us once again to realize the value of life itself. Terrorism that killing the innocent people is a crime, and, for this reason, we join the peace loving community in opposing it. However, the US military attacks on Afghanistan is just as dangerous and deadly.

We do not believe what Bush administration saying that the war on Afghanistan will bring Osama bin Laden and the Taliban to justice. Bombs do not distinguish between enemies, terrorist and innocent civilians. The bombing on Afghanistan would only kill innocent children, women and elderly. The people of Afghanistan had already been suffering for decades of wars and starvation. The militray action will not prevent terrorism nor "bring terrorists to justice."

Innocent children and civilians have seen their friends startled and killed by bombing attacks in the middle of the night. Anger against the U.S. will grow within these people and this will lead to a cycle of revenge and more deaths.

The world is raising its voice to oppose terrorism. Against this backdrop, the U.S. should defy terrorism through peaceful initiatives; seek true justice and not revenge. The first step is for the American government to stop the retaliatory war and prevent further acts of terrorism, by beginning to understand the fundamental motivations and reasons behind the September 11th attack.

Young Koreans United of USA, 10-7-2001