Italian Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini on Tuesday condemned the "barbarous" bombing at the Egyptian Sinai resort of Dahab, in which at least 23 people were killed.

Fini conveyed his condolences to his Egyptian counterpart, Abu Gheit, saying "Italy firmly condemns the odious acts of violence which have struck Egypt."

"We are convinced they will not weaken the determination of those countries that are committed to fighting and defeating the scourge of terrorism," he said.

The foreign ministry, which was due to bring home three wounded Italians on Tuesday night, warned Italians to stay away from Sinai amid safety fears.

Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi urged the international community to forge a "united" front in its response to terror threats.

The three explosions that struck Dahab late on Monday were probably caused by time bombs planted in the ground rather than suicide bombings, security officials said, according to Italian News Agency ANSA.

Source: Xinhua