Libya: Victoria Nuland Benghazi attack not premeditated

Those with heavy weapons hijacked the ongoing demonstration.  She said there was an ongoing FBI investigation which was cooperating well with the Libyan authorities in their enquiries. There had been different views expressed on the attack attributing it to a possible terrorist group but Ms Nuland said that the United States would await the results of the investigation into the attack.

This would appear to lessen the chances of direct retaliation by US forces which would certainly have escalated the ongoing demonstrations over the film “ The Innocence of Muslims”  and the confrontation with Islamic protestors who blame Western governments for the contents of the film. Commentators have said that the  protests are also an expression of frustration with the West and what protestors see as double standards and a negative view of the United States in general especially amongst young people.   

Responding to a question Ms Nuland said that Secretary of State Hilary Clinton had spoken with King of Morocco
on Sunday .The King expressed his condolences, his concern, and his commitment to continue to work together  with the United States for peace, security, justice in that part of the world. Ms Nuland recalled the bilateral talks with the Morocco held earlier in the week, so they also had a chance to review those talks.