Govt response to religious provocation must be tough: Putin on US embassy attack in Libya

Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly condemned the attack on the US consulate in Libya which killed ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other diplomats.

The Russian leader said government reactions to religious provocation must be "tough and timely", otherwise the people who feel offended will take matters into their own hands. Speaking in the Russian southern town of Sochi, Putin said "religious feelings of people of all beliefs must be handled very carefully". He added that the new Libyan government also has to be accountable for what happens in the country. Putin also condemned the attack on the US consulate in Libya, in which four American diplomats, including ambassador Christopher Stevens, were killed. "We condemn this crime, and express our condolences to the families of the victims."