Italy's foreign minister Angelino Alfano on Thursday deplored the twin car bombings that killed at least 27 people and injured dozens in Libya's eastern port city of Benghazi.
Alfano "condemns in the strongest terms the terrible attacks caused by two car bombs that claimed many victims in Benghazi and urges that those responsible be brought to justice soonest," said a foreign ministry statement.
Alfano expressed sympathy for the families of the blast victims and "concern" at reports of summary executions following Tuesday's attacks, which were claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.
"Italy stands shoulder to shoulder with the Libyan population and authorities in the fight against terrorism and every form of violence that harm peace and stability," the statement said.
Alfano underlined his "full and convinced" support for ongoing efforts to broker a political solution between Libya's rival factions and achieve national reconciliation which are being made by UN special envoy Ghassam Salame, the statement concluded.
