East-West Center Annual Report 2001

[ 1 ]Year of TragedyYear of BreakthroughsBy Charles E. Morrison,PresidentandGeorge R. Ariyoshi,Chair, EWC Board of GovernorsThe East-West Center’s multinational community of staff, students, alumni, andfriends was personally touched by the loss of colleagues and loved ones in theterrorist attacks on New York and Washington of September 11. We dedicateour year’s work and this report to the victims of those attacks, and to allinnocent victims of terrorism worldwide.The September 11 attacks contradicted the basic beliefs underlying thecreation of the East-West Center – that understanding, relations, and a sense ofcommunity can be built through focused, cooperative study, discussion andresearch on issues of common concern. The East-West Center accepts that thereare legitimate differences of perspectives and interests on many such issues. Itacknowledges that not all such differences can be bridged, even among people ofsincerity and goodwill. But as recognized in the United Nations conventions oninternational terrorism and other international covenants, there can be no possiblejustification for criminal acts of terrorism directed against innocent persons.We were very grateful to the many East-West Center alumni, friends, andpartner organizations from all over Asia and the Pacific who sent messages ofsympathy to and solidarity with the American people. These messages, comingfrom China, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, the South Pacific, and elsewhere,buoyed our spirit and demonstrated that our extended networks do form anemerging regional community with a shared sense of the value of humanity,tolerance, and the peaceful resolution of issues.The East-West Center believes that the best way we can honor the victimsof terrorism is by rededicating ourselves to our educational mission ofstrengthening understanding and respect among cultures, relations between