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In a largely symbolic decision, a U.S. magistrate judge has recommended that the Al-Qaeda, Taliban and Iran should pay 6 billion dollars to the relatives of September 11 victims for aiding the 2001 terrorist attacks. Last year, Judge George Daniels had signed a default judgment on the lawsuit brought by relatives of 47 victims. He found the Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and Iran liable and asked the magistrate to determine damages. Even though it will be nearly impossible to collect damages, plaintiff Ellen Saracini, whose husband, Victor, was the captain of one of the planes that struck the World Trade Center, said she is happy about Manhattan Federal Magistrate Judge Frank Maas' recommendation. "It's hard being happy, but I am happy about it. But it opens up old wounds. We were never in it for a lawsuit. I wanted to know what happened to my husband," The Dawn quoted Saracini, as saying. Maas ' ruling is a recommendation to Daniels, who can accept it or amend it. Maas calculated punitive and compensatory damages for each of the plaintiffs and their lost family members. Daniels ruled last year that the plaintiffs had established that the 2001 attacks were caused by the support the defendants provided to Al-Qaeda. The findings said Iran continues to provide material support and resources to the Al-Qaeda by providing a safe haven for Al-Qaeda leadership and rank-and-file members.

Iran, Al-Qaeda, Taliban asked to pay 6 bln dollar compensation to 9/11 families