Updated | George Vella: ‘There is no alternative to political dialogue and reconciliation’

Updated to add PN statement

Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella reiterated that there was no other alternative to political dialogue and reconciliation for the humanitarian crisis afflicting Libya.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Vella said that “unity and understanding among the parties in the Libyan crisis could resolve the political, economic, and social upheavals as well as the humanitarian crisis”.

“This process would furthermore contribute towards combating the rise of terrorism and extremism in Libya,” the statement said.

Grave concern was expressed over the deteriorating situation and the heinous crimes committed against the Egyptian nationals was strongly condemned.

“There should be no refuge for those who have committed these despicable acts. International justice must be set in motion to bring all those who participated or were involved in any way in the perpetration of such crimes to be brought to justice sooner rather than later.”

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs extended its sincere condolences to all the families of the victims and expressed its support to the “friendly Egyptian people” in this moment of grief.

“All Libyans and the main Libyan actors must put aside their differences, rally around and work together in the search for a negotiated peaceful settlement of the crisis,” the ministry said.

Vella’s message comes as Egypt carried out its second airstrike over the port city of Derna, where training locations and weapons stockpiles allegedly belonging to ISIS in Libya are located.

The Nationalist Party said that the barbaric execution of Egyptian workers will only serve to reinforce the international community's determination to dismantle terrorist networks in Libya and around the globe. 

"The perpetrators must be brought to justice," the PN said. "The deteriorating situation in Libya is of concern, the country cannot be allowed to fall further into the chaos. The Nationalist Party reiterates its support for an international and European response to the situation to ensure security in Libya and the Mediterranean."

The international community has condemned the beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya while both France’s and Egypt’s presidents called for a meeting of the United Nations security council.

In Malta, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that the only solution for Libya was an intervention led by the United Nations. Malta, he added, would serve as a contact point with the Libyan people being their most trusted European country.

On Friday, Italy’s foreign minister said that his country would be ready to take part in a mission led by the United Nations. The statement reportedly attracted the attention of IS who declared Italy as an “IS enemy”, Italian media reported.

Italian Premier Matteo Renzi was however forced to intervene to placate the public’s reaction and tone down statements, including those made by defense minister Roberta Pinotti. The minister had said that Italy was ready to fight IS with “5,000 men” deployed in Libya.

“It is not the time for a military intervention. I appreciate that there is consensus on foreign affairs. We will see what action to take at the opportune time but it is important that [Italy] does not start arguing on foreign affairs policy,” Renzi said.

He said that the Libya situation required “a proper understanding of the situation, prudence and wisdom”.

Italy's Interior Minister Angelino Alfano expressed the growing alarm in an interview with La Republica and urged NATO to intervene "for the future of the Western world."

"ISIS is at the door," he said. "There is no time to waste."