Hollande strognly condemns IS attack in Libya

French President Francois Hollande on Monday “expressed indignation” after reports that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) executed 28 Christians in Libya because of their faith.
Hollande “condemned in the firmest manner the abuses committed by Daesh (ISIL) against civilian populations, no matter what their origin or their religion,” according to a statement from the Elysee.
The French President recalled “his determination to fight against this terrorist group” and said he supported the efforts of the UN Special Envoy in Libya, Bernardino Leon, who is trying to broker a settlement for the conflict.
“A reconciliation agreement remains both necessary and urgent to re-establish order and security on Libyan soil,” the French leader said.
France has, however, expressed strong reservations about a military intervention in Libya as called for by the Italian government.
Separately, the French Foreign Ministry indicated that those killed by the extremist Islamist group were Ethiopian Christians.
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius presided a meeting of the UN Security Council on March 27 during which “France called more than ever for the protection of victims of ethnic or religious violence.” Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry today called all Libyans to form “a common front against terrorism.”