I condemn this cruel crime in the strongest terms. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with those whose loved ones have been murdered and with the Egyptian people. All Libyans must join forces to bring about lasting peace in their country and stop terrorist groups from gaining ground. All political forces are called upon to participate constructively in the peace talks brokered by UN special envoy Bernardino Leon.

Only with a solution backed by all sides will it be possible to build up the Libyan state and its institutions, and to permanently stamp out terrorism.