KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 13, 2004 — In a brief presentation during the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony at Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan, Herat rug maker Mohammad Taher Sadiqee presented CFC-A Commander Lt. Gen. David Barno with a token of appreciation.

Assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul from September 1973 to December 1976, Sadiqee wished to express his gratitude to the American people and his sorrow to the families of those lost in the attacks.

“For a long time, I have worked with the American people,” Sadiqee said. “I have found them very kind and good. For Afghanistan and myself, we are indebted to the Americans who lost their lives and granted freedom for us. Therefore, I decided to design and make this project.”

The rug, designed to be given to the U.S. Congress for the American people, will serve as yet another reminder of the great loss of life on that fateful day three years ago and a symbol of Afghanistan's great appreciation.

“Because of good leadership and guidance,” Sadiqee said,

“the world is gone of the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Please accept this gift as a small gift from me and my family.”

“This is indeed an honor,” said Barno to Sadiqee. “Thank you for your great tribute to the Afghan people and the American people. I believe this very well symbolizes the partnership that we all share today as the free people of the world, facing an absolutely intolerant enemy.

“As we look back at the events of Sept. 11, 2001, we very much share today here in Kabul Afghanistan with the Afghan people their absolute desire for freedom and their rejection of those that would perpetrate such heinous crimes on innocent civilians from many, many different nations, not just on Americans.”

Barno went on to say, “I think Mr. Sadiqee's gift is not only an incredibly thoughtful symbol of his own commitment to the partnership we have, but also reflect the feelings of free people everywhere about what we all desire for our children and what we desire for our future.”