International community condemns southern Beirut blast

Lebanese soldiers inspect the site of explosion in Haret Hreik The International community rushed to condemn the car bombing that killed at least five people in southern Beirut on Thursday, The French Foreign Ministry condemns with the greatest firmness the attack carried out this afternoon in the suburbs of south Beirut," a statement said.
The attack which appeared to aim at the Hezbollah faction in Lebanon comes only days after the Dec 27 assassination of former Finance Minister Mohammed Shatah.
"France reiterates its commitment to the stability of Lebanon and calls on all Lebanese to work to avoid an escalation of violence and to preserve national unity," the statement added.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned on Thursday the bombing and called on all parties in Lebanon to act with restraint following the incident to prevent further escalation of the violence witnessed in the country in recent months.
Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi also condemned the Haret Hreik blast, expressing "the League's full solidarity with Lebanon and its president, government and people in the face of these criminal acts."
The U.S. State Department also condemned the "terrorist" bombing. It reaffirmed its commitment to Lebanon's stability
British Foreign Office Minister Hugh Robertson strongly condemned the Dahieh blast, saying his government is "fully committed to supporting the future stability of Lebanon."
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the explosion, which was condemned by both sides of Lebanons sectarian divide. It was not clear if a specific person was targeted by the bomb.
Lebanon Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour appealed for international support to curb the violence and cut off financial aid and other support for bombers.
Source: QNA