Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and

Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

Díli, 15th September, 2012

Timor-Leste extends condolences on deaths of US Diplomatic Officials and calls for global peace and tolerance

The Government of Timor-Leste wishes to extend deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of US Ambassador to Libya, Mr. J. Christopher Stevens and his three colleagues, all US Officials, killed in an attack on the US Consulate Building in Benghazi, Libya, this past week.

The Ambassador, who had worked in Middle East for two decades, was one of the first diplomats to engage in Libya after the height of the conflict. In the midst of the great challenges faced by country, Mr. Stevens continued to promote the great potential to be realized by the People of Libya, and remained focused on promoting peace.

Unfortunately, the last days have seen growing anti-US protests across many countries around the globe. While many have been held in a peaceful manner, further violence has erupted against diplomatic missions and within communities throughout the Middle East, parts of Africa and in the US, Britain, Germany and Australia, amongst other locations. Numbers of wounded participants, bi-standers and law enforcement officers have mounted.

The Government of Timor-Leste wishes to add their voice to world and spiritual leaders who call for calm and stability. Timor-Leste continues to stand firm in solidarity with all those Nation states intent on promoting peace and tolerance amongst all global citizens and strongly condemns any further violence.