Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement after learning that up to 21 Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christians had reportedly been beheaded in Libya by groups linked to the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL):
“I am outraged and saddened by the beheadings of Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christians in Libya by groups linked to ISIL. Coming soon after the savage burning of Royal Jordanian Airforce pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh, the threat posed by ISIL could not be clearer.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed and to the Coptic community here in Canada, who will feel the loss especially grievously.
“Canada is proud to stand with its allies in the fight against ISIL. We will continue to stand firmly together against these terrorists who threaten the peace and freedom we hold so dear at home and that we wish for those abroad.
“Barbaric acts such as this do not shake our resolve but, rather, confirm the rightness of our cause and the vital necessity of our mission against ISIL. We will not be intimidated.”
