OBAMA REMARKS – ROUGH TRANSCRIPT
good morning. every day, all across world, american diplomats and citizens work tirelessly to advance interests of nation, often they are away from families. sometimes great danger.
yesterday, 4 americans killed in attack on diplomatic post in benghazi. chris stevens, foreign service officer john smith. we’re still notifying families of others.
today, american people united in holding 4 in thoughts and prayers
condemn outrageous and shocking attack. working with government of libya to secure diplomats, increase security at posts around world, and make no mistake, will bring to justice killers who attacked people
since founding, nation that respects all faith. reject efforts to denegrate others, but no justification to this type of violence. world must stand together to reject acts. this attack won’t break bonds with libya.
libyans fought back against attackers, helped find safety, carried stevens’ body to hospital where tragically died
especially tragic stevens died in benghazi, city he helped save. led revolution, built partnerships with revolutionaries to build new libya
when regime came to end, was there to serve as ambassador, worked tirelessly to support democracy, and clinton and i relied on his knowledge of situation on the ground
role model to all he worked with, young diplomats who aspired to walk in footsteps. along with colleagues, died in country of recent war.
loss of americans fresh but memories linger on. no doubt their legacy will live on through work they did far from shores, in hearts who love them
yesterday marked solemn memory of 9/11 attacks–troops who made ultimate sacrifice, hallowed grounds of arlington ceremony–had opportunity to say thank you. then last night, learned of attack.
as americans, lets never forget freedom is sustained because of people willing to fight for it, lay down lives for it. country only as strong as character of people. no acts of terror will shake resolve of nation, alter character, eclipse values we stand for
today we mourn for more americans who represent best of america. won’t waver to see justice is done, and make no mistake, justice will be done
lives americans led stand in contrast to attackers. stood up for freedom, dignity, should give every american pride in country they serve, hope those who yearn to live in freedom and dignity. grieve for families, but let’s continue memory, seek better world for children. thank you, may god bless.
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PRES OBAMA STATEMENT
Statement by the President on the Attack in Benghazi
I strongly condemn the outrageous attack on our diplomatic facility in Benghazi, which took the lives of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. Right now, the American people have the families of those we lost in our thoughts and prayers. They exemplified America’s commitment to freedom, justice, and partnership with nations and people around the globe, and stand in stark contrast to those who callously took their lives.
I have directed my Administration to provide all necessary resources to support the security of our personnel in Libya, and to increase security at our diplomatic posts around the globe. While the United States rejects efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others, we must all unequivocally oppose the kind of senseless violence that took the lives of these public servants.
On a personal note, Chris was a courageous and exemplary representative of the United States. Throughout the Libyan revolution, he selflessly served our country and the Libyan people at our mission in Benghazi. As Ambassador in Tripoli, he has supported Libya’s transition to democracy. His legacy will endure wherever human beings reach for liberty and justice. I am profoundly grateful for his service to my Administration, and deeply saddened by this loss.
The brave Americans we lost represent the extraordinary service and sacrifices that our civilians make every day around the globe. As we stand united with their families, let us now redouble our own efforts to carry their work forward.
