While the Leader of the Free World vacationed in Martha's Vineyard, and on her husband's 65th birthday, the indefatigable Secretary of State took note of deplorable violence on this Friday in the Holy Month of Ramadan perpetrated on innocent worshipers at a mosque in Pakistan and at a British cultural center in Kabul on Afghanistan's Independence Day.
Bombing in Pakistan
Press StatementHillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of StateWashington, DCAugust 19, 2011The United States strongly condemns today's attack on scores of innocent Pakistanis in northwest Pakistan. The slaughter of worshipers as they gathered at a mosque for Ramadan's Friday prayers underscores the brutality of those who would target civilians during a time of celebration and reflection for Muslims throughout the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected by this deplorable violence.
Through their violent actions, terrorists continue to demonstrate blatant disregard for the efforts of the Pakistani people to build a more peaceful and prosperous country in which citizens are free to worship. The United States deeply respects Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against extremism and we continue to stand with Pakistan against those who seek to undermine democracy and freedom.
Attack on British Council in Kabul
Press StatementHillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of StateWashington, DCAugust 19, 2011The United States strongly condemns the vicious and cowardly attack in Kabul on the British Council, an institution that is dedicated to improving the lives of Afghans. We offer our most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed and injured.
Brutal attacks such as these will not lessen our resolve or our commitment to Afghanistan and the region. The United States will continue to support the Afghan people and to assist the Afghan government, security forces, and civil society as they rebuild after decades of war. We are committed to a common vision of a stable, independent Afghanistan rid of the insurgency and free from al-Qaida.
