Governor-General Issues Statement on the passing of King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan.

-- Virtual Pensacola

Statement on the passing of King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan.

Date: July 23, 2007 01:14PM

The Government and People of the Dominion of British West Florida wish to express our deepest sympathies to the Afghan people at the passing of King Zahir Shah, "baba-i-millat-afghan". Although his political role was limited, until his death Zahir Shah remained a symbol of peace, reform and stability in the war-ravaged provinces of his beloved Afghanistan. He will be missed by his friends, family, tribe, people, and all those in the middle east and beyond who value self-determination, the rule of law, and peaceful relations with others.

During World War II, the king safeguarded his country's neutrality and, throughout his reign, Afghanistan enjoyed a period of stability. In July 1973, the king was ousted in a coup, at the behest of his cousin Mohammad Daoud, an opponent of Zahir Shah's new western alliances. The exiled king maintained that he would be "ready to return to Afghanistan if it serves to help my people".

After the US was attacked in September 2001 and their outrage was focused on Afghanistan, King Zahir Shah gave a rare interview defending his subjects. On 17 April 2002, the King stepped back onto Afghan soil. He was given an overwhelming welcome by the country's people, many of whom were reassured by his very presence. He was given the title of "baba-i-millat-afghan" - father of the Afghan nation, by his people who fondly remembered his reign, and trusted in his wisdom.

Good-Night Father Afghan,

May God have mercy on the Soul of King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan, and on all those who mourn his departure.




The former King of Afghanistan, Zahir Shah, has died at the age of 92 following a long illness. The king died at his Kabul residence in the presidential palace compound. He had returned to Kabul in 2002 after 29 years in exile, mostly spent in Italy.

Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, Baron Von Servers of Fayette,
Acting Governor-General, His Grace being in Georgia,
in Service to The Dominion of British West Florida