Some 500 people attended a belated remembrance event in Hong Kong Saturday for the victims of the terrorist carnage in the United States, nearly three weeks after the attacks.
Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, who has been criticized for failing to authorize an official day of remembrance, spoke of his shock and sadness during a memorial service organized by the American Chamber of Commerce.
"All of us are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic events of September 11," Tung said.
"We share the deep sense of grief with the American people. This is not just an American tragedy. Victims from 80 countries, including China, have been involved. Twenty from Hong Kong are still missing.
"To these families, and to these family members who are here today, I hope you are facing your tragedy with courage," Tung said against a backdrop of flags representing victims' nations.
Leaders from eight world religions joined Tung at the ceremony in making a plea for peace following the carnage, which left more than 6,000 people dead or missing.
The Hong Kong chief declared his wholehearted support for the international coalition against terrorism being put together by the United States following the attacks on New York and Washington.
"These acts of terrorism have become a scourge for the entire world," Tung said.
"We stand united, we stand squarely behind the efforts to eradicate all forms of terrorism around the globe” -- HONG KONG (AFP)
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
