ROME, 12 September 2012 -- OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Riccardo Migliori (MP, Italy) and Matteo Mecacci (MP, Italy), Chair of the OSCE PA Committee on Democracy, Human Affairs and Humanitarian Questions issued the following statement today:

"The tragic events in Benghazi will not halt the democratic process in North Africa, the relations of co-operation with Europe and the spreading of a culture of religious freedom alien to all forms of fundamentalism. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly unanimously condemns the attack on the U.S consulate in Benghazi and expresses its deep condolences to the U.S. colleagues and is determined to further enhance all political initiatives aimed at ensuring respect for rights and security in the Mediterranean."