MFA Press Statement on Terrorist Attacks in New York and Washington ( 14 Sep @ 1600 hrs)

Since 1930 hours on Thursday 13 September 2001, only 27 additional Singaporeans travelling in or residing around the affected areas registered with the MFA Operation Centre.

The number of Singaporeans requiring consular assistance, following the tragedy of 11 September 2001 in New York City/Washington D.C., has also dwindled significantly. It appears that most Singaporeans who needed to confirm the safety of their friends, employees and relatives have been able to do so.

Given the catastrophic nature of the tragedy, it will take some time before the total number and identity of the casualties can be determined.

Nevertheless, given the declining number of Singaporeans requiring immediate consular assistance, the MFA Operation Centre, which was activated for 24-hour operations following the tragedy which occurred on the night of 11 September 2001, the Singapore Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and the Singapore Embassy in Washington D.C., will now scale down its consular assistance operations. However, these consular assistance programmes can be stepped up at very short notice if the need should arise.

In the meantime, the following 24-hour hotlines will continue to be manned:

- Singapore Permanent Representation to the United Nations New York Hotline: (1) 212 826 0840

- Singapore Embassy in Washington D.C., Hotline: (1) 202 537 3100

- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Hotline: (65) 332 0000

Singaporeans residing in the US are reminded that they can register through the above hotlines, or through the eRegister at the Ministry's Consular website www.mfa.gov.sg/consular

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
14 SEPTEMBER 2001 @ 1600 HRS