After spending the weekend in Jordan and on the Syrian border and Monday in Libya, Senator Bob Corker, R-Tn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Tuesday, “I am convinced more than ever that Al-Qaeda, its affiliates and other violent extremist organizations continue to be a serious threat to America and other countries around the world who share our free democratic values. The attack on Americans in Benghazi on Sept. 11, is a stark reminder that our nation must remain vigilant in protecting our citizens from the threat of Al-Qaeda and similar extremist terrorist entities around the world. Unless we acknowledge this reality and appropriately posture ourselves toward that threat, we will be caught off guard again in the future.”
Arriving in Tripoli on Monday, Senator Corker participated in a country team briefing that focused on the situation on the ground and the attack in Benghazi on September 11, 2012 where our personnel on the ground acted heroically. He also had extensive meetings with government officials in Libya including the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Armed Forces Yousef Mangoush, Prosecutor General Abdul Aziz al-Hassadi, Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdel Aziz, and President of the General National Congress Mohamed Magariaf.
In Jordan on Saturday and Sunday, Senator Corker visited the Za’atri refugee camp and met with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Mafraq Governor Abdullah al-Khattab, Chief of Defense Mishal al-Zaben, President of the Senate Taher al-Masri, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Prime Minister Fayez al-Tarawneh, and Minister of Finance Suleiman Hafez. He also met with Jordanian businessmen and senators and had the opportunity to thank members of the Tennessee Army National Guard 181st Field Artillery for their service.
Senator Corker returns to the U.S. late Tuesday.