MFA Spokesman's comments on the attack on the US Consulate in Libya

 In response to media queries regarding the attack on the US Consulate in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi on 11 September 2012, which resulted in the deaths of the United States Ambassador to Libya and three other US diplomatic staff, the MFA Spokesman said:

 “Singapore strongly condemns the violent attacks on the US Consulate in Benghazi that resulted in the tragic deaths of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and his colleagues.  We express our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families and friends of the victims in their time of grief.  The properties of foreign diplomatic missions and safety of foreign diplomatic staff should always be protected and guaranteed under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”

 In response to further media queries on the film “Innocence of Muslims”, the MFA Spokesman said:

 “Singapore also strongly condemns the video, “Innocence of Muslims”, which denigrates Islam.  The video is highly offensive to Muslims and Singapore deplores the actions of the makers of this insensitive video.  Freedom of speech must be balanced with respect for religious sensitivities.  At the same time, extreme acts by individuals should be dealt with in a calm and rational manner, and can never provide the excuse for any acts of violence.”

.    .    .    .    .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

14 SEPTEMBER 2012