Statements on the 9/11 tragedy

"Even as we denounce this act, we must remember that this was an act of terrorists, not an Arab attack, and reject anti-Arab retaliation or discrimination. Now is the time to renew the values that bind us together as a nation.

"America is a democratic and open society built upon universal values of freedom and human dignity. No act of terror will undermine those values."

- AFL-CIO President John Sweeney

"We join our voice to the voices of all Palestinian, Arab and international forces in condemning the suicide operations in the United States."

- Palestinian People's Party

"There can be no guilt by association, period. That has to be unequivocal."

- NJ Jewish Anti-Defamation League

"We will be putting as many resources as we can into this search to apprehend the perpetrators. Decisions should be based on knowledge.

"We are a country of laws. Law controls our basic emotions. We must find out who committed this crime and bring them to justice. We don't suspend our civil liberties. Every person has a right to due process."

- Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.)

"The position of Cuba against all kinds of terrorist actions is well known. We cannot forget that for over 40 years our people have been victims of such actions, promoted from the territory of the United States itself.

"Due to historical reasons, as well as ethical principles, our country fully rejects and condemns the attacks and expresses its sincerest condolences to the American people for the distressing and unjustifiable loss of human lives."

- Republic of Cuba

"We feel that this tragedy must not lead us as a society to take repressive or vengeful measures in response.

"Once again our deepest beliefs hold that true security can only be rooted in social justice and strengthening the domestic and international rule of law. No additional billions of military budget would have prevented the actions today."

- Women's International League for Peace and Freedom

"The South African Communist Party is shocked at the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. Such violence can never be acceptable or justified.

"The focus of the whole world now should be on a fair and thorough investigation as the only basis for justifiable legal action against the perpetrators of this ghastly act."

- South African Communist Party

"The NAACP calls for international days of prayer for peace and solidarity. This massive loss to the family of humankind moves all people of conscience to mourn and pray for the dead. The hour is upon us to put aside differences and dissent."

- NAACP

"The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee today condemned the horrifying series of attacks on the World Trade Center towers in New York and government buildings including the Pentagon in Washington DC.

"Arab Americans, like all Americans, are shocked and angered by such brutality, and we share all the emotions of our fellow citizens. Arab Americans view these attacks as targeting all Americans without exception."

- American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee

"Neither our government nor our people can surrender to hysteria directed against Arab - or Muslim Americans or any immigrant group. We cannot blame or indict an entire people because of the senseless acts of a small villainous band.

" ... the movement founded by Cesar Chavez should do no less than heed his counsel to embrace patience and respect for others even in the face of grievous provocation. 'We must understand that the highest form of freedom carries with it the greatest measure of discipline,' Cesar once said."

- United Farmerworkers of America