News from Azerbaijan America Alliance

Shanksville, Pennsylvania—September 10, 2013: The tragic hijacking of four aircraft and the subsequent attacks upon the World Trade Center and the Pentagon are being remembered during this year’s twelfth anniversary of September 11th. In an act of ultimate self-sacrifice, the passengers of United Flight 93 overpowered the hijackers and crashed the plane into a field in Shanksville, preventing a strike on the United States Capitol and saving countless lives. Two years after the Flight 93 Memorial was completed and dedicated, the passengers of United Flight 93 are again being honored for their courageous acts of heroism at a groundbreaking ceremony in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The anniversary will cover four days, culminating in a memorial ceremony on September 11th.

Of the private donations that helped support construction of a permanent Memorial to the heroes of Flight 93, the nation of Azerbaijan served as one of the memorial’s largest supporters. Their show of support and generous contribution proves the shared commitment to honoring the passengers and crewmembers of Flight 93. Azeri efforts, coupled with those of former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, current President Barack Obama and current Speaker of the House John Boehner was vital as they made it their personal mission to ensure the remembrance of these American heroes.

A donation by the Azerbaijan America Alliance was made to the Flight 93 National Memorial Fund to help support construction of a permanent Memorial to the heroes of Flight 93.

Azerbaijan – a moderate, secular state with a majority Muslim population – has been a key ally in fighting the threat of violent extremism. It has shared information, increased efforts to combat terrorism financing, and apprehended and prosecuted suspected terrorists. Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to reach out to the United States following the tragedy with then President Heydar Aliyev being the first head of state to reach out and express his unconditional support.

Having experienced acts of terror during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, an armed conflict that emerged in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan, which displaced over one million Azerbaijanis, and Armenian armed forces occupation of over 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. The Azerbaijani people demonstrated their commitment to end terrorism and solidarity with the United States and the American people.

As an active participant in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, Azerbaijan is developing multifaceted security relationships with its neighbors in the region. It has made steadfast contributions to NATO and was among the first nations to militarily support the American-led efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan and opened their country and airspace to American forces.

A stable and prosperous Azerbaijan promises a more stable and prosperous Caucasus region. It promises more opportunities for peace in a complex region. And it promises a more reliable partner for fighting global threats – from terrorism to financial crises – which no single nation can overcome alone.

The mission of the Azerbaijan America Alliance is to foster an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect between the people of Azerbaijan and America. Through academic discussion, cultural programming, and political discourse, the Alliance aims to become the premier organization dedicated to promoting a lasting partnership between Azerbaijan and America.

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