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 yesterdays tragic events in the United States.
On September 13, Azerbaijans national flag will be lowered and broadcasting
of all entertainment programs suspended during the minute of silence.
Today, President Aliyevs 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.