Brussels September 2001

The General Affairs Council yesterday decided, following a joint initiative of the Head of the European Commission, Mr. Prodi and Prime Minister Verhofstadt, that Friday, 14th September, 2001 would be a European day of mourning for the victims of the terrorist attacks in the USA.

UNIFE kindly asks its members to join with us in observing this day of mourning in respect of our American colleagues and friends who have been in any way touched by this tragedy.

It also decided that, to mark the sympathy and solidarity felt across Europe for the people of the United States of America at this tragic time, a 3 minute silence should be observed at 1200 noon (Brussels time) on Friday 14th September.

For those of you in Brussels, arrangements are being made for colleagues in Brussels to gather in the presence of the President of the Parliament Mme Fontaine, Prime Minister Verhofstadt, Foreign Minister Michel, Secretary General of the Council of the EU Solana and Mr Prodi on the Rond Point Schuman shortly before 1200 noon so that the silence can be observed.

We thank you for your support and we extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected by this tragedy.