Nations unite in mourning

Millions are expected to observe the silence

Countries throughout the world are observing a day of mourning for those killed in the US terror attacks.

US President George W Bush declared Friday a day of "prayer and remembrance" to honour the victims.

I appeal to the 800 million citizens in the Council of Europe member states to join us in this moment of grief

Walter Schwimmer, Secretary General, Council of Europe

He will attend a prayer service at the National Cathedral in Washington before travelling to New York to see the devastation of the World Trade Center for himself.

The 43 nations of the Council of Europe have called for all of their 800 million citizens to observe three minutes of silence on Friday.

The silent tribute is scheduled to begin at 1000 GMT.

The BBC will join the tribute by marking a three-minute silence across all of its networks and services.

The plan for the three minute silence was initiated by the 15 nations of the European Union, who have declared Friday a national day of mourning.

Throughout the world flags are flying at half mast

Leaders of the EU nations will issue a joint statement on Friday expressing their sympathy with the United States.

The Council of Europe's Secretary General Walter Schwimmer said: "I appeal to the 800 million citizens in the Council of Europe member states to join us in this moment of grief, in an expression of our deepest sympathy with the victims and their families".

The Council of Europe was set up in 1949 to promote democracy and human rights and it includes almost all of the countries in Europe.

Solidarity

Throughout the world, special ceremonies and services will be held in memory of those who were killed.

In London, the Queen accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales will join Prime Minister Tony Blair and the American ambassador at a special service of remembrance at St Paul's Cathedral.

We want to fortify their courage in the face of this terrible situation

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien

Canada has also declared a national day of mourning. Prime Minister Jean Chretien said that the day "will show our solidarity that we feel towards our American friends and the families of the Canadian victims."

"We want to fortify their courage in the face of this terrible situation."

Close US ties

In Ireland, Friday has been declared a public holiday and the country will come to a virtual standstill as businesses, schools and state offices are closed.

The government has urged as many people as possible to attend mass. Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and President Mary McAleese will attend a service in Dublin's main cathedral.

Prayers are being said for the thousands still missing

The government said it was observing the day of mourning because of Ireland's close ties with the US - Mr Ahern said that 44 million American people claimed Irish descent.

A national day of mourning has also been declared in South Korea - the first time it has done so for another country.

A government spokesman said the decision had been made because "the United States is our closest ally, which has helped make our country what it is today."