“On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in New York, I express my solidarity with the United States and the American people, guaranteeing that Albania is determined as a NATO member country to fulfill any commitment against international terrorism, extremism. violent authoritarianism and any other threat that endangers peace and stability, anywhere in the world,” has said President Ilir Meta.
The US President, Joe Biden struck a personal note in a recorded address to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, beckoning Americans to embrace unity as they reflect on the day that two decades ago permanently reshaped the nation. “In the days that followed September 11, 2001, we saw heroism everywhere – in places expected and unexpected,” Biden said on Friday, the day before the anniversary of the attacks.
Nearly 3,000 people died in the coordinated al-Qaida attacks, and thousands more have died from illnesses attributed to toxic exposure from that day in New York. The terror plot was the impetus behind America’s invasion of Afghanistan, in which thousands of US service members and contractors have been killed, as well as tens of thousands of Afghan citizens.
And while America did stand united against the evils of terrorism, not every American was viewed equally in the wake of the chaos, leading to a 500% increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes from 2000-2009, which Biden acknowledged in his remarks.
In his message Meta conveyed unforgettable honor to the memory of lost lives. “Albania and the United States are united in defending the values of freedom and democracy, in the best interest of our common peoples.”
In conclusion Albanian President said: “Gratitude for the sacrifices of all our military and support personnel, who have sacrificed during these two decades in the front line against terrorism! Eternal memory of Captain Feti Vogli! ”
Messages of solidarity with the strategic ally were conveyed by PM Edi Rama and Head of opposition DP Lulzim Basha.
A few days ago the US withdrew its troops from Afghanistan after its failure to establish the so-called American democracy in that country leaving the Afghan people in the hands of the Taliban.
Albania has become a shelter to thousands of Afghans, US collaborators, who are fleeing the country fearing the regime which came back to power in Kabul. /argumentum.al
