Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger condemned in the strongest sense the attack on the US Consulate building in Benghazi which claimed the lives of the US Ambassador to Libya and three of his aides. In a statement distributed by the Foreign Ministry Thursday, the minister expressed "deep shock" over this incident and also expressed sympathy with the families of the victims. In addition to being a heinous act against human lives, this attack on a foreign diplomat is a stark violation of International Law and those responsible must be brought to justice with all due haste. The minister further demanded the Libyans take steps and measures to protect foreign diplomats and workers of international organizations accredited in the country. The new Libya, Spindelegger noted, which was given much support within the international community in its strife for freedom must most clearly and immediately condemn and denounce this hideous crime.