Ban Ki-moon strongly condemns Beirut car bombing

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday "condemns in the strongest terms" the car bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, earlier today and reiterated the determination of the international community to support Lebanon's security and stability, his press office said in a statement. The attack killed at least six people, including former cabinet minister Mohamed Chatah, and injured scores more. Ban noted that, as Finance Minister in the government of Prime Minister Saad Hariri and as foreign policy advisor to Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Chatah had served as a "tireless voice for tolerance, diversity, and moderation," and in his view, the former Minister's death is a "tremendous loss for Lebanon and a reminder of the need to end impunity." Ban said he is "deeply troubled by the recurring acts of terrorism in Lebanon which pose a severe threat to the country's stability and national cohesion, welcoming at the same time the Lebanese authorities and security forces' efforts to address the security challenges and to protect the country from the impact of the crisis in neighbouring Syria. He urged all Lebanese parties to act with restraint at this time and to support the institutions of the state, and particularly the security forces, as they seek to prevent further acts of terrorism. Conveying his condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy and full recovery to those injured, Ban "underlines the need for the perpetrators of this crime to be brought to justice.