US, allies condemn Libya hotel attack

WASHINGTON, Jan 28 (KUNA) -- In a joint statement issued Wednesday, the US, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Malta urged all parties to the conflict in Libya to "engage seriously" in negotiations, and halt the use of violence to "prevent the further erosion of Libya's sovereignty and security," the Department of State announced.
The statement further expressed strong support for "the efforts of the United Nations and Special Representative Bernardino Leon to bring a political solution to the ongoing political, security and institutional crisis in the country," and lauded "those who have participated in these discussions in Geneva." The allies said they "strongly condemn (Tuesday's) attack on the Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli," and offered their "deepest condolences to the victims and their families.
"We reject such appalling acts of terrorism, which should not be allowed to undermine Libya's political process," the joint statement affirmed.
"We call on Libyans to condemn this and all acts of terrorism and to seek an end to the ongoing conflict, which only exacerbates the terrorist threat." The statement emphasized for "all sides to refrain from any actions which undermine the prospects for a successful political dialogue, including any effort to divert necessary supplies of food, electricity and water from major population centres." At least nine people were killed in Tuesday's attack by gunmen in the Corinthia's lobby. The dead included five people, among them one US citizen, the Department of State confirmed. (end) ys.sd