The flood of news about the vile attack by Islamic extremists on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi and the resulting death of Ambassador Chris Stevens, 3 other embassy staff, and multiple Libyan security force members drowned out the news that the first truly democratic Libyan Parliament voted in a Prime Minister yesterday. Mustafa Abushagur, the Deputy Prime Minister of the previous temporary govt. won the runoff vote and is now the new Prime Minister of Libya.
Mustafa Abushagur, in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister, was one of the first Libyan officials to respond to the attack in Benghazi. His statement gives good insight into the direction in which Libya will be moving and Libya's future relationship with the U.S.:
FROM THE OFFICE OF LIBYA DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER MUSTAFA ABUSHAGUR
"Ambassador Chris Stevens was a dear friend of mine, and of Libya, and played a key role in helping our revolution. He was in Benghazi throughout the revolution and was very instrumental in its support. The men and women serving at the United States Consulate were allies in our shared fight for freedom and democracy. I am shocked at the attacks on the United States Consulate in Benghazi. I condemn these barbaric acts in the strongest possible terms. This is an attack on America, Libya and free people everywhere.
There is never any justification for this type of action. There must and will be consequences. Those who were involved at all levels must be found and punished. These actions run counter to the very foundations of free Libya, of democracy, and of Islam. They are reprehensible.
Our revolution is not complete simply because Gaddafi is gone. Our revolution will be complete when our state institutions are strong, when heavy arms are in the hands of only the government and when our streets are safe to all - both to Libyans and to our honored guests. The government cannot do this alone - I call on all true Libyans to hand in their weapons, and to work together to make a better Libya for all. Our shared security is the bedrock of our freedom. This kind of shameful behavior - mobs using force on their own accord - cannot happen again, no matter the target or motivation.
My deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those unjustly lost last night, and to all Americans."
Mitt Romney sure could learn a lot about statesmanship from this guy.