17 September 2009

Condolence Message From Ambassador Thorne – Rome, September 17, 2009

On behalf of the President of the United States and all of the American people, I offer my deepest sympathy at the loss of the brave Italian soldiers who gave their lives in Kabul today. Their courage is an example of what is best about our democracies. We are deeply grateful for the commitment of the Italian Republic in support of peace, security and democracy in Afghanistan. Together, we are dedicated to helping the Afghan people as they struggle for freedom, and above all, for safety from the barbaric terrorism that we witnessed once again today.

I also offer our sympathy to the innocent Afghan victims of this heinous attack. All people have the right to live in dignity and without fear, and that is what we are struggling for in Afghanistan, together with the Afghan people themselves.

I extend also my sympathy to the families of the soldiers lost today. Words cannot assuage their loss, and it is a loss we all share.