Commemorating victims of September 11th, Peleshi: War is not over, terrorism remains an unfaithful enemy

Published: Saturday, 11 September 2021 12:52

 

Nearly 3,000 victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks were commemorated at a ceremony at the US Embassy in Tirana.

The solemn ceremony was also attended by Defence Minister Niko Peleshi and the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Assoc. Prof. Bajram Begaj.

On behalf of the Albanian government, Minister Peleshi recalled the innocent victims of the attacks and stressed the importance of cooperation between the allies to fight terrorism.

Minister Peleshi proudly mentioned Albania's contribution to this US-led war and thanked the women and men who bravely served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"In these 20 years, together, led by the United States of America, we marched in the heart of terror to defend the core values of freedom and human dignity. I believe that Albania also carried these 20 years of joint war, on its shoulders with dignity. I want to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to all those men and women, professional military members, who honored their country in the most dangerous missions in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Referring to the recent events in Afghanistan, Minister Peleshi stressed the importance of continuing cooperation between the allies to win a war that is not over yet and assured the US that Albania will stand by the allies in any decision taken to prevent other horrific attacks.

"Our joint war is not over yet! We would like to leave behind us a peaceful and democratic Afghanistan, where the life, freedom, and dignity of the civilian population are protected and guaranteed. Terrorism remains a fierce and unfaithful enemy. Our duty is to stay united, to share information, to interact in every cell to avoid surprise dangers. We generously welcomed and welcome anyone who asks us for help and shelter. The innocent civilians of Afghanistan are in our trust, as long as they need protection. I assure the US and other allied countries that, at any time, in any decision taken to guarantee the life and liberty of our citizens, we will be ready to support them to prevent another September 11.", - said Minister Peleshi.

In his speech, US Deputy Chief of Mission Demian Smith, in addition to the American victims, recalled those of Albanian origin.

The 9/11 attacks in the United States caused the death of 2,977 innocent civilians and injury of more than 6,000.