Noting that the past few weeks have been difficult for the United States in America, Deputy Secretary Williams J. Burns today addresses the issue on the real motives behind the attack of US consulate Benghazi.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Mr. Burns says the truth behind the speculation is that an investigation is underway by the Libyan authorities, with the support of the United States and United States specialists to capture the perpetrators.
“And we are deeply interested in getting to the bottom of this and seeing who was responsible, and working with Libya to ensure that they’re brought to justice.” -Mr. Burns
Mr Burns says he doesn’t want to speculate at this point about what the results of that investigation will be, except to say that they going to work very hard to support Libya’s efforts.
Finding the culprits is deeply in the interests of the United States to ensure that justice is done, he stressed.
He underscores that Libyans also want to find the culprits of the attack don’t want to see extremists steal the promise of their revolution as well.
In addition, during the interview, Mr. Burns answered the speculations that the information originally published by The New York Times saying that there was a CIA operation going on in Benghazi, and that the consulate came under attack in connection to that presence.
“Well, I just can’t speculate, and no American diplomat speculates on intelligence activities or presence overseas. This was a terrible tragedy.” -Mr. Burns
He adds it reflected the fragility of the processes of change that are already underway.
He highlighted that it underscored the importance now with successful elections behind them, of the Libyan authorities organizing professional security institutions to ensure not only that their own citizens are protected, but also to ensure the safety of the diplomats who serve there.
According to Mr. Burns, the United States is in a difficult moment.
He says the United States lost Chris Steven, an extraordinary ambassador and three very fine colleagues, and Libya lost an extraordinary friend.
Last month, the United States of America mourned the death of four American personnel in Benghazi who died in a rocket attack on the temporary consulate.
Chris Stevens, the U.S. ambassador to Libya was killed along with three others in the rocket attack. The death of the US personnel sparked international condemnation
A 21 year veteran of the Foreign Service, Ambassador Stevens died from injuries he sustained in the attack on the Benghazi office.
As the conflict in Libya unfolded, Chris was one of the first Americans on the ground in Benghazi.
Mr. Stevens risked his own life to lend the Libyan people a helping hand to build the foundation for a new, free nation.
The US condemns this vicious and violent attack that took their lives, which they had committed to helping the Libyan people reach for a better future.
Libya had been engulfed by fighting since a pro-democracy movement opposed to the regime of Muammar al-Qadhafi emerged in February 2011 following similar protests in Tunisia, Egypt and other countries across North Africa and the Middle East.
