Lisbon/New York , 12 September 2012
Excellency,
Dear Ms Clinton
I would like to express my sincere condolences on the shocking death of four American
personnel, including United States Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens and Foreign Service Officer, Sean Smith following the brutal attack of the US Consulate in Benghazi. My thoughts are with their families and colleagues at the State Department as well as with those injured.
Such an attack should be strongly condemned, and its perpetrators and instigators identified and prosecuted within the rule of law as there is never any justification for violent acts of the kind in a democratic State.
The persistence of a climate of intolerance and the alarming increase in acts of intolerance, discrimination and violence based on religion or belief in many parts of the world are of great concern. It should lead the international community to engage further in dialogue and cooperation along the lines of the Resolution 16/18 adopted by the Human Rights Council on combating intolerance and incitement to violence against persons based on religion or belief. As recognized in this Resolution, “working together to enhance implementation of existing legal regimes that protect individuals against discrimination and hate crimes, increase interfaith and intercultural efforts, and to expand human rights education are important first steps in combating incidents of intolerance and related violence”. This is why I would like to call upon all States to take bold action to strengthen international efforts to foster global dialogue for the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,
Jorge Sampaio
President of the Portuguese Republic (1996-2006)
UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations
Dr Sampaio-Letter – Secretary State H.Clinton- condoelnces Sep 2012 [PDF]
See also: Statement From The High Representative on the Current Crisis