12 September 2001

His Excellency

Mr. Colin Powell

Secretary of State

Washington, D. C.

Dear Secretary Powell:

Like all of ASEAN, I was extremely shocked by the series of terrorist attacks that caused such a tremendous loss of human life, injury and suffering and unimagined destruction of property.

I extend, through you, my deepest condolences to the American people.

This was an evil act not only against America and the American people but also against human civilization and those things that make modern life possible.  Those were human beings who were killed and wounded, and we mourn not only for them but also for ourselves.

I am confident that the United States will soon recover from this tragedy and emerge stronger from it.

Yours sincerely,

RODOLFO C. SEVERINO Jr.