The United States of America today mourned the death of four American personnel in Benghazi who died in a rocket attack on Wednesday.
Reports say Chris Stevens, the U.S. ambassador to Libya were killed along with three others in a rocket attack on the American Consulate in Benghazi. The death of the US personnel has sparked international condemantion
Today at Washington DC, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reported that a 21 year veteran of the Foreign Service, Ambassador Stevens died last night from injuries he sustained in the attack on US office in Benghazi.
She says she had the privilege of swearing in Chris for his post in Libya only a few months ago.
Mr. Stevens spoke eloquently about his passion for service, for diplomacy and for the Libyan people, Ms. Clinton said.
“This assignment was only the latest in his more than two decades of dedication to advancing closer ties with the people of the Middle East and North Africa which began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco.” -Ms. Clinton
As the conflict in Libya unfolded, Chris was one of the first Americans on the ground in Benghazi, she highlighted.
Ms. Clinton adds that Mr. Stevens risked his own life to lend the Libyan people a helping hand to build the foundation for a new, free nation. He spent every day since helping to finish the work that he started.
“Chris was committed to advancing America’s values and interests, even when that meant putting himself in danger.” -Ms. Clinton
Meanwhile, Sean Smith was a husband and a father of two, who joined the Department ten years ago.
According to Ms. Clinton, Sean was one of the best.
Prior to arriving in Benghazi, he served in Baghdad, Pretoria, Montreal, and most recently The Hague, she noted.
“All the Americans we lost in yesterday’s attacks made the ultimate sacrifice.” -Ms. Clinton
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.
Ms. Clinton stresses that America’s diplomats and development experts stand on the front lines every day for their country.
“We are honored by the service of each and every one of them.” -Ms. Clinton
Reports say US Ambassador Christopher Stevens, and three other American diplomats died on Wednesday after an islamist mob in Benghazi Libya gathered to demonstrate against a U.S.-made film. At some point, the demonstration turned violent and shots were fired.
The United States of America has said people get a false sense of exactly what’s going on in Libya.
US has stressed that there are several challenges that Libyan government is facing right now.
Reports say schools and universities are open, cafes and restaurants are open, stores are stocked with local, imported goods.
The Libyan airport has opened again. It’s full of international travelers seeking new investment opportunities as well.
Public life is evolving as a lively debate with civil society groups, the media, government officials all taking part, according to US State Department.
According to media reports, Libyans are now exercising their newfound freedoms in ways previously unimaginable.
NGOs are filling the airwaves and neighborhood cafes are bristling with passionate discussions about every topic under the sun, US States Senior Administration Official reported.
Commerce has returned to Libya. Some local businesses report booming sales as well.
However, on the militia and the disarmament aspect, it remains a concern of the government.
The United States is working very hard with them, along with the international community, on the conventional weapons. I
The United States has worked together to account for nearly 5,000 such weapons, the MANPADS and the components.
Media reports say Libyan electoral commission is up. There’s electoral law.
The United States is a very firm partner with Libya during these past several months.
US States Senior Administration Official stresses that the issue of the U.S.-Libya partnership was a main theme of the discussion with the President and certainly with the Secretary of State.
National Transitional Council (NTC) declared the full liberation of Libya on 23 October, more than eight months after the start of the popular uprising against the regime of long-time ruler Colonel Muammar al-Qadhafi.
Mr. Qadhafi, who had been on the run as his regime collapsed, was captured by then opposition fighters on 20 October and killed.
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.
