“The Secretary General calls on all in Lebanon to recognize that such appalling and indiscriminate acts of violence target all in Lebanon,” said a statement issued by Ban’s spokesperson on Tuesday.
“He urges all Lebanese parties to act with restraint and to support the institutions of the state, and particularly the security forces, as they seek to prevent further acts of terrorism,” he added.
At least 23 people, including Iran's cultural attaché to Beirut Hojjatoleslam Ebrahim Ansari, were killed and more than 140 injured in two explosions that struck near the Iranian Embassy in the southern neighborhood of Janah in Beirut on Tuesday.
The UN chief extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack as well as the Iranian and Lebanese governments.
“The Secretary General hopes that those responsible for this attack will be brought to justice expeditiously. He reiterates the determination of the international community to support Lebanon’s security and stability,” said the statement.
On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said the Israeli regime is behind the deadly terrorist bombings.
She strongly condemned the twin blasts and said the move was an “inhumane crime and a spiteful measure” by the Zionist Israeli regime and its mercenaries.
SF/HMV