A Message to the People of the United States by H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan On the Occasion of the Fifth Anniversary of September 11
The Afghan people join me in expressing my strong solidarity with the People of the United States as you mark the 5th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. We understand the tremendous loss you endured that day for we also have suffered for long at the hands of terrorism.
For many years, the Afghan people were held hostage in their own country, and subjected to unspeakable atrocities, by foreign terrorists and their Taliban friends. The suffering of the Afghan people was neglected and our pleas to the world to confront the growing threat of terrorism remained unheard. Regrettably, it took the tragedy of 9-11 for the world to appreciate the gravity of the threat that international terrorism posed to the security of the world.
After 9-11, the United States led an international coalition against terrorism and helped the people of Afghanistan liberate their country from Al Qaeda and the Taliban.
The progress of the last five years in Afghanistan would not have been possible without American sacrifice and support. The battle against international terrorism didn’t end with the defeat of al Qaeda and the Taliban; it continues today in Afghanistan and in many other parts of the world. The world must continue the fight against the menace of terrorism with greater resolve and dedication.
I take this opportunity to express the deep appreciation of the Afghan people to the people of the United States for the sacrifices of your sons and daughters in Afghanistan, and for your generous support to the rebuilding of our country.
Thank you.
