US President Barack Obama today condemned as "outrageous" the attack on the American consulate in Benghazi that killed the American Ambassador and three other US nationals and vowed to step up security "at all our diplomatic posts around the globe." "I strongly condemn the outrageous attack on our diplomatic facility in Benghazi,which took the lives of four Americans,including Ambassador Chris Stevens," Obama said in a statement released by the White House in thee first official confirmation about the death of the Ambassador in Libya. In the statement Obama said he has ordered for increased security at all US diplomatic posts across the globe. "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," he said. Obama said he has directed his Administration to provide all necessary resources to support the security of its personnel in Libya,and to increase security at American 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," Obama said. Stevens was a career diplomat who spoke Arabic and French and had served two terms in Libya,including running the Benghazi office during the revolt against Muammar Gaddafi. He was confirmed as Ambassador to Libya by the Senate earlier this year. Libyan officials said Stevens was killed when he went to the consulate to evacuate the staff besieged by the frenzied mob. On a personal note,Obama in his condolence said Chris was a courageous and exemplary representative of the US. "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," Obama said. "I am profoundly grateful for his service to my Administration,and deeply saddened by this loss," he said. "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," Obama said. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed profound sadness on news of death of four Americans including Ambassador Stevens. "We condemn this vicious and violent attack that took their lives,which they had committed to helping the Libyan people reach for a better future," she said in a statement. "It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the death of four American personnel in Benghazi,Libya yesterday. Among them were United States Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and Foreign Service Information Management Officer,Sean Smith," she said. "As the conflict in Libya unfolded,Chris was one of the first Americans on the ground in Benghazi. He 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," she said. The American Muslim community also condemned the attack on US diplomatic posts in Egypt and Libya by angry mob protesting against an alleged anti-Islam movie made in this country. Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid,founder of Muslim Peace Coalition USA,in a statement,asked mosques all over the US to hold special prayers for communal harmony this Friday. "We condemn these attacks unequivocally," Dr Shaik Ubaid,New York State co-chair of Muslim Peace Coalition USA said in a statement.
