Killing of US Diplomatic Staff In Libya Condemned

(Newsroom America) -- President Obama has condemned the "outrageous and shocking" attack on the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi in Libya which claimed the lives of four Americans and others, and vowed to bring the killers to justice.

Among those killed in the attack was Ambassador, Chris Stevens, as well as Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith, as well as Libyan employees of the Consulate.

Reports said the attack occurred when suspected Libyan religious extremists stormed the US Consulate in the eastern Libyan town late Tuesday.

Mr Stevens was reportedly paying a short visit to the city when the consulate came under attack, and the extremists are said to have attacked the location during a protest against an anti-Islamic video produced by an American-Israeli real-estate developer.

President Obama said the United States condemns in the strongest terms this outrageous and shocking attack.

"We're working with the government of Libya to secure our diplomats. I've also directed my administration to increase our security at diplomatic posts around the world. And make no mistake, we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the killers who attacked our people.

"Since our founding, the United States has been a nation that respects all faiths. We reject all efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. But there is absolutely no justification to this type of senseless violence. None. The world must stand together to unequivocally reject these brutal acts," he said.

President Obama said it was especially tragic that Chris Stevens died in Benghazi because it was a city that he helped to save.

"At the height of the Libyan revolution, Chris led our diplomatic post in Benghazi. With characteristic skill, courage, and resolve, he built partnerships with Libyan revolutionaries, and helped them as they planned to build a new Libya.

"When the Qaddafi regime came to an end, Chris was there to serve as our ambassador to the new Libya, and he worked tirelessly to support this young democracy, and I think both Secretary Clinton and I relied deeply on his knowledge of the situation on the ground there. He was a role model to all who worked with him and to the young diplomats who aspire to walk in his footsteps."

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague condemned the attack, saying there was no justification.

“I welcome President Magariaf's condemnation of this incident. It is essential that the Libyan authorities take urgent action to improve security, particularly in Benghazi, and identify those responsible for such attacks.

"The UK stands ready to assist the Libyan authorities in any way we can and to support their efforts to continue the path towards a stable and secure Libya that fulfils the aspirations of the Libyan people,” said Mr Hague.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council have condemned “in the strongest terms” the attack.

In a press statement, the members of the Security Council echoed the Secretary-General’s reaction and expressed their deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims of “this heinous act” and to their families.

“The United Nations rejects defamation of religion in all forms. At the same time, nothing justifies the brutal violence which occurred in Benghazi yesterday,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said. “The Secretary-General reminds the Libyan authorities of their obligations to protect diplomatic facilities and personnel.”

Citing the fundamental principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises, and the obligations on host Governments – including under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations – the Council members called on authorities to protect diplomatic and consular property and personnel, and to respect their international obligations in this regard.

(C) Newsroom America 2012