UN Security Council slams IS murders of 21 Egyptians

UNITED NATIONS - The UN Security Council on Sunday night strongly condemned the "heinous" murder of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians by the Islamic State (IS) militant group in Libya.

"This crime once again demonstrates the brutality of IS, which is responsible for thousands of crimes and abuses against people from all faiths, ethnicities and nationalities, and without regard to any basic value of humanity," said a press statement released here by the council.

On Sunday, the IS militant group published a video purportedly showing the beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians abducted in Libya. Later, the Egyptian Orthodox Church confirmed the killing.

In the press statement, the Security Council particularly mentioned a resolution, unanimously adopted on Thursday, that decides to cut funding sources to the extremists groups, including the Islamic State (IS), by efficiently choking off their illegal earnings from oil trading, trafficking of antiquities and ransom payments.

"The members of the Security Council underscored the need for full implementation of resolution 2199, adopted on February 12, to cut off IS's support networks," said the statement.

In addition, the Security Council demanded the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all those who are kept hostage by IS, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al-Qaida.

While asking all states to cooperate with Libya to bring perpetrators of these acts to justice, the council also urged all parties in Libya to engage constructively in efforts to continue an inclusive political process to address political and security challenges facing the country.

"Council members underscored that only through national unity and dialogue, with a view to finding a peaceful solution, can Libyans build their state and its institutions so as to defeat terrorism and prevent such grave crimes," said the statement.