Washington, Sep 12 - Today, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) has issued the following statement on the killing of U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens and 3 fellow Americans in Benghazi and the U.S. embassy attack in Cairo:

“Today’s White House response to the violent attacks in Libya and Egypt was totally unacceptable, as was, the disgraceful statement issued by the Embassy in Cairo. Ill-advisedly included in the response to the killing of an American diplomat was an expression of understanding of the Muslim outrage over what they considered to be denigration of Islam. This was not the place, nor the appropriate context, for the White House to demonstrate sensitivity to Muslims around the world. Even mentioning that in any way is a projection of weakness. Placating radical intolerance will not deter further attacks on our diplomats or facilities overseas.

“The State Department should issue an immediate apology to the American people and fire those officials responsible for the initial statement.

“The White House and State Department responses go beyond the realm of simple diplomacy. This episode is yet another example of the Obama administration’s unwillingness to call violent attacks against Americans what they really are, acts of terror motivated by radical Islam. This is similar to the Ft. Hood terrorist attack where the administration labeled it ‘workplace violence’ instead of acknowledging radical Islam as the motivation behind the killer. It is imperative for the U.S. to acknowledge the distinction between the radical Islamists and peaceful Muslims and by not doing so sends mixed messages.

“President Obama started out his administration in Cairo apologizing for the United States and blaming hostility toward the U.S. on alleged American insensitivity toward Muslims. Now, we see what pandering to the radical Islam world has gotten us.”

Rep. Rohrabacher is chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

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