arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

their press-communiqué reads as follows :

Commemoration of 11 September attacks, Place Schuman, 11 Dec.

On next December 11th, it will be three full months since deadly airplanes struck New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. This occasion will be commemorated across the US by Federal authorities, Governors, Mayors, local officials and citizen groups. President Bush will take the lead with the playing of the US national anthem at the White House at the exact time of the attacks of September 11th.

In solidarity with the United States, the EU Presidency, together with the other EU institutions, Parliament, Council and Commission will hold a similar commemoration. Hence, the President of the EU Council Louis Michel, European Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, High Representative/Secretary General Solana invite colleagues, staff, officials from EU institutions, Member states and Candidate countries, and diplomatic representatives in Brussels to join them at the centre of Place Schuman on December 11th at 14:30 hours.

At 14:46 hours, the exact European time of the event, a military music band will play the anthem of the United States followed by a minute of silence. The band will thereafter play the anthem of the European Union followed by the national anthem of the Belgian presidency. The ceremony will end at about 15:00 hours.

Press to convene at 14:00.