Benghazi Attack: Ambassador Patrick Kennedy Opening Statement

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UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE PATRICK KENNEDY
TESTIMONY TO THE HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
WASHINGTON, DC
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2012
Chairman Issa, Ranking Member Cummings, members of the Committee.
I'd like to open by reading a quotation to you: "Libyans face significant
challenges as they make the transition from an oppressive dictatorship to a
stable and prosperous democracy," but, "it is clearly in the U.S. interest,"
and "it will be an extraordinary honor to represent the United States during
this historic period of transition in Libya."
Those were Ambassador Chris Stevens' words at his Senate confirmation
hearing this past Spring. They help us understand why he went to Libya,
why he viewed his efforts there as important, and why it is imperative that
we continue his work. Chris Stevens believed that no challenge was too big
or too hard if our national security interests and our values were at stake.
And that is what's at stake in Libya.
Continuing the spirit of cooperation the Department has shown Congress
since the attack on our post in Benghazi, we are here today to answer your
questions and participate in a constructive discussion about how we can
mitigate the risk of this tragedy ever happening again. We are here at your
request -- and before we ourselves know all the answers or have the benefit
of any reviews. You will hear from me and two of my Diplomatic Security
colleagues, Eric Nordstrom and Charlene Lamb
Click here for the full testimony: http://oversight.house.gov/wp-content...

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  News & Politics

[suhaib eltayeb]

All resect to all lives lost from both sides, however, with the pressure from US citizens on the government and rising demands to bring all US soldiers back from their duties. I think this is the new plan, demand more security personals to protect the american diplomats and embassies.

Perhaps some of them former marines, or most are marines. i mean countries are getting bigger, and that requires more on the field, so why not take the advantage, and use the arab spring in our side, so more