Ban condemns Iran embassy attack: such acts of violence target all in Lebanon

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the twin suicide bombings that targeted the Iranian Embassy in Beirut Tuesday and urged Lebanese to recognize that Lebanon as a whole was a target of such crimes.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the terrorist bombing near the Iranian embassy,” Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

The U.N. chief also extended his condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the Lebanese and Iranian governments.

Two suicide bombers attacked Iran’s mission in the Beirut neighborhood of Bir Hasan in the morning hours of Tuesday, killing 25 people including an Iranian diplomat and wounded over 150.

“The Secretary-General calls on all in Lebanon to recognize that such appalling and indiscriminate acts of violence target all in Lebanon,” the statement said.

“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,” it added.

Ban also expressed hope those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice “expeditiously.”

The U.N. leader also reiterated the international community’s determination to support Lebanon’s security and stability.