Azerbaijan
President Heydar Aliyev
Declares A Day of Mourning on September 13th
September 12, 2001

President Aliyev declared September 13 the day of mourning throughout Azerbaijan and instructed all state institutions to hold a minute of silence in the memory of those who perished in yesterday’s tragic events in the United States. On September 13, Azerbaijan’s national flag will be lowered and broadcasting of all entertainment programs suspended during the minute of silence.

Today, President Aliyev’s also issued the following statement:

“The horrible acts of terror, which were perpetrated in New York and Washington on September 11, deeply shocked and saddened the Azerbaijani public. Terrible tragedy, which has resulted in thousands of lost lives and wide-scale damage, took place in the strongest state of the world. At the beginning of the 21st century, which the mankind entered with high expectations, the terrorism has become, in an unprecedented manner, a global crime, which has no borders and is contrary to all human values. While the United States is the target today, such a tragedy can potentially befall all nations and peoples.

People of Azerbaijan, who have themselves experienced terrifying and painful consequences of terrorism, understand the suffering of the friendly American people and share immeasurable grief.

Azerbaijan has been fighting against terrorism and strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Our country has demonstrated its readiness to cooperate with all states and international organizations in anti-terrorist efforts and, today, we re-affirm our unequivocal readiness for such cooperation.

Currently terrorism is a global problem, which can target any country. In order to completely eradicate the threat of terrorism and to ensure that no nation experiences such horrible suffering in the future, the international community, people and states of the world should consolidate their efforts, pursuing effective and close cooperation aimed at relentless fight against terrorism. Azerbaijan states its commitment to continue honoring its obligations in this area and its absolute support for the efforts of the international community in the fight against terrorism.”

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