Libya arrests consulate violence suspects

PanARMENIAN.Net - Libyan authorities have made several arrests in connection with the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi in which the ambassador was killed, BBC News reported.

New Libyan Prime Minister Mustafa Abu Shaqur said the investigation was making progress.

The attack happened on Tuesday, Sept 11, during protests over a U.S.-made film that mocks the Prophet Mohammed. Similar protests have spread across the Middle East and North Africa. Further unrest is expected at Friday prayers.

Similar protests have spread across the Middle East and North Africa. Further unrest is expected at Friday prayers.

Clashes between riot police and protesters continued overnight in the Egyptian capital Cairo, where Islamist groups and others have called for a peaceful "million-man march" later on Friday.

U.S. President Barack Obama has promised to do whatever is necessary to protect U.S. citizens abroad and said he was urging foreign governments to guarantee their security.

A White House statement said he had thanked Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi for condemning an attack on the U.S. embassy there and for launching an investigation.

"President Obama expressed appreciation for the co-operation we have received from the Yemeni government and underscored the importance of working together to ensure the security of U.S. personnel," the statement said.

In Benghazi, U.S. and Libyan officials are investigating the possibility that heavily armed militants used the protest as a pretext for a coordinated assault.

Libyan officials say those arrested are being interrogated on suspicion of having instigated the attack.

Four embassy staff died, including Ambassador Chris Stevens.

Shaqur blamed the attack on "criminals" and said anger against the film could not justify it.