ABU DHABI // The UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, has expressed the UAE's condemnation for the killing of 21 Egyptian men in Libya by the terrorist group ISIL.
Footage emerged online on Sunday showing the Christian Egyptian men being beheaded on a beach.
“The UAE is devoting all its resources to support the efforts of Egypt to eradicate terrorism and the violence directed against its citizens and reaffirms its total support for Egypt,” said Sheikh Abdullah in a statement issued by the state news agency Wam.
“These terrorist organisations and their barbaric crimes have no relationship whatsoever with any religion.
“These crimes come from sick minds that seek to spread chaos throughout the world, through the killing of innocent people for no reason.
“This ugly crime highlights the necessity of supporting the legitimate government of Libya in its efforts to extend its sovereign authority over all of Libya’s territory.
Sheikh Abdullah said it was “essential that these criminals should receive the punishment that they deserve, without hesitation, and implemented with the utmost strength and determination”.
He sent his condolences to the families of the victims, and the people and leadership of Egypt. Meanwhile, Arab League secretary-general Dr Nabil Elaraby also condemned the murder.
According to state news agency, Wam, he called on the international community to take effective measures against the ISIL terrorists
Dr Elaraby also called for activating the joint Arab defence treaty to safeguard common Arab security and confront terrorism.
He extended his sincere condolences to the Egyptian, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Pope Tawadros the second, the victims’ families, and the Egyptian government and people.
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