The Arab Spring is a rebuttal of the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks

Statement by Foreign Minister Nickolay Mladenov

“September 11 2001 was one of the most tragic moments in human history. A moment when we realised that violence and terrorism have no boundaries and can easily reach the thresholds of our homes. That day changed us, making us realise that we cannot live in an isolated world, hoping that the horror that happened halfway around the world would not affect us.

“Ten years ago, Bulgaria stood in solidarity with the victims of this terrible act. Today we honour the memory of the 2977 innocent victims of that act of barbaric violence and treachery. They were people of various nationalities, races and ages, parents, friends and loved ones. At this time, we share with their relatives and their heirs the grief and the memories. So too, we remember and honour the memory of the Bulgarian soldiers who died in Iraq, participating in international efforts to combat terrorism. Always we have maintained that there is no purpose or cause that justifies the taking of innocent human life. This is why Bulgaria participates in every effort to protect the world against terrorism and political violence.
“Ten years later, the world is very different. The terrorists of September 11 2001 failed completely in their attempt to sow inter-ethnic and religious hatred and intolerance. Throughout the Arab world, people have wanted real freedom and participation in the running of their countries. A new generation, open to the world, have demonstrated their will to be active participants in determining their own future. There is no more eloquent proof of the failure of the September 11 terrorists than the revolutionary changes that have started in the Middle East and North Africa. The entire democratic and civilised world has a shared responsibility to help them achieve their goals, for the sake of peace and prosperity.”