U.S. Ambassador Statement on Benghazi

September 13, 2012

It is with great sadness that I join President Obama, Secretary Clinton and my diplomatic colleagues in remembering those who died in the senseless attack against the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi.  Ambassador Chris Stevens and our three colleagues made the ultimate sacrifice in representing their nation as they promoted the values of freedom and democracy. 

It is also a personal loss as several of my colleagues and I knew Chris well and respected him for his wonderful spirit and deep personal commitment to his country as he engaged with the people in the region to help improve their lives.  He will be truly missed.

I reaffirm the United States’ commitment to religious tolerance and deplore any intentional effort to denigrate the religious beliefs of others.  There can be no justification, however, for any violent acts of this kind.  We appreciate the many statements from Lebanese leaders condemning violence against innocent persons.

I join the President and Secretary and strongly condemn the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi and reiterate the shared values of the United States and the international community that all states have the duty and responsibility for the safety and protection of diplomatic personnel and property located in their countries.