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Sorrow as Europe commemorates 9/11

LONDON, England -- The first anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. has been commemorated in emotional remembrance services and silences across Europe.

The continent, like other parts of the world, came to a standstill at the time the planes hit the World Trade Center in New York exactly a year ago.

At Ground Zero in New York, thousands attended a service commemorating the tragedy. (Full story)

Speaking at a memorial service at the Pentagon, U.S. President George W. Bush said: "We renew our commitment to win the war that began here.

"As long as dictators plot against our lives and liberty they will be opposed by the U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines." (Full story)

Pope John Paul II told about 8,000 pilgrims in a packed Vatican auditorium that nothing could justify the ferocious cruelty of the September 11 attacks, and questioned the consciences of those who planned the "barbarous" attacks.

But he added that the world must end injustices that lead hatred to explode into violent acts. (Full story)

IN-DEPTH  • America Remembers    INTERACTIVE How has the world changed since 9/11?   MORE STORIES  • Princes lead service   • America returns flag to UK   • Chirac: Debt to U.S.   • Putin offers condolences   • Europe remembers 9/11   • Airports tighten security   • Rebuilding a business   • Putin's 'turning point'

Earlier in London, many people attending a service at the U.S. Embassy in Grosvenor Square were reduced to tears as a torn and tattered Union flag pulled from the rubble of Ground Zero was presented to the British people. (Full story)

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair attended a memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral in the capital, along with a 2,000-strong congregation.

Families and relatives of the 67 British victims of the September 11 attacks were also at the service, during which 3,000 white rose petals, representing all those who lost their lives, were released from the Whispering Gallery inside the cathedral's great dome.

Prince Charles, heir to the throne, and his son Prince Harry met bereaved families afterwards. (Full story)

Queen Elizabeth II has sent a message of consolation to the people of New York in which she spoke of the terrible loss of life and the justice of the hunt for the terrorists.

She said: "We honour the courage and determination of those in our armed forces and others who are striving to bring those responsible for this outrage to justice and to prevent similar atrocities in the future. Right must and will prevail."

Germans offer sympathy

Outside the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Germany, passers-by placed flowers and candles and some left handwritten messages of sympathy for the friends and relatives of those who died.

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, in a speech in Berlin, recalled how hundreds of thousands of Germans had expressed sorrow and solidarity after the terror attacks in New York and Washington.

"It was a powerful sign of a deeply rooted friendship that endures despite current differences of opinion," he said, in reference to Germany's objections to U.S. calls for a military strike on Iraq.

"Our country is today united with the American people in remembering those horrific terrorist attacks," he said.

Schroeder, President Johannes Rau and other VIPs later attended ecumenical services at Berlin Cathedral in the heart of the German capital.

In Hamburg Wednesday, police searched a mosque following information that a man was inside preparing explosives for an attack. (Full story)

During the past week, German authorities have made two separate sets of arrests of people suspected of having terror links. (Full story)

France 'stands by the American people'

In France, President Jacques Chirac gave an emotional tribute to the victims of September 11 at a ceremony at the heavily guarded U.S. Embassy in Paris, telling those gathered there: "France knows what it owes America." (Story)

"The French people stand with all their hearts at the side of the American people," Chirac told U.S. Ambassador Howard H. Leach and 300 guests.

On September 11, "liberty and fraternity were wounded," he added.

The area around the U.S. Embassy was entirely cordoned off by security forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday to express his country's condolences on the anniversary. (Story)

"I want to reiterate my condolences and express not only the sympathy but also the support of the whole Russian people to Americans," Putin told Bush.

"In Russia, they say that time cures, but we cannot forget. We must not forget."

Security tight across Europe

Police across Europe warned the public to be vigilant on Wednesday, with security being tightened at possible terrorist targets -- including airports, national landmarks and financial centres.

Italy assigned 4,000 soldiers to protect "sensitive sites," while Belgium ordered strict vigilance for its security authorities. German police stepped up security at Frankfurt airport.

Belgium's Interior Minister Antoine Duquesne told The Associated Press: "Now, we always have to consider the unthinkable."

The increased security provisions in Europe come as the U.S. raised its security alert to orange, signifying a high risk of terror attacks against American interests around the world. (Full story)

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