28-03-2024 12:53 PM Jerusalem Timing

World States Condemned Dahiyeh Blast, Except Saudi Arabia

World States Condemned Dahiyeh Blast, Except Saudi Arabia

Following the deadly blast that rocked the Lebanese southern Suburb of Beirut on Thursday, all world states rushed to express condemnation and condolences to the Lebanese government except Saudi Arabia.

Lebanon: Dahiyeh explosion; August 16, 2013Following the deadly blast that rocked the Lebanese southern Suburb of Beirut on Thursday, all world states rushed to express condemnation and condolences to the Lebanese government except Saudi Arabia.

The KSA has neither condemned the explosion nor commented on the attack, despite the scores of innocent civilians claimed.

A booby-trapped car, filled with around 50 kg of explosives, went off in the Rouweiss neighborhood. At least 22 people have been martyred and 336 others have been left injured.

The United Nations Security Council members extended their condolences to the victims and their families and expressed sympathy to those injured in “this heinous act” and to the people and the Lebanese government, a press statement said.

“The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed,” said the 15-member UN body statement.

The United Nations chief also strongly denounced the violent blast, urging all Lebanese to remain united in the face of such “unacceptable” violence.

“Such acts of violence are completely unacceptable and only reinforce the determination of the international community to continue supporting Lebanon’s security and stability at a time of severe regional turbulence,” Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

“During this period of heightened tensions, the Secretary-General urges all Lebanese to remain united, to rally around their State institutions and to focus on safeguarding Lebanon’s security and stability," the statement added.

Moreover, spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Alexander Ukashević, announced on Friday Moscow's condemnation of the blast, stressing the need to stand off against those who are trying to ignite sectarian strife in the Middle East through terrorist acts.

For her part, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Maura Connelly condemned the attack and called on Lebanese groups to remain calm and exercise self-restraint.

Syria’s Information Minister Omran al-Zoabi  “strongly condemned” the blast on the southern suburbs and passed on condolences to the victims’ families.

Lately on Thursday, Qatar denounced the deadly car bombing according to the Qatari News Agency, quoting an official in the Qatari Foreign Ministry as saying.

Later, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Miqati announced Friday to be a national-mourning day.

President of the Republic Michel Sleiman said the car bomb attack in the Beirut southern suburbs was a "terrorist act" that bore the fingerprints of Israel.

Prime Minsiter-designate, Tammam Salam, denounced the explosion and called for support for the security forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces.

"Every drop of blood shed on Thursday must be a motivation for joining efforts and supporting security forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces," Salam told Al-Manar television.

Former prime minister Saad Hariri condemned in a statement the "terrorist" explosion, urging self-control and restraint to avoid falling into the trap of Lebanon's enemies.

Lebanon's various political parties also expressed their condemnation and concerns over the incident.

Phalange Party called on political factions in the country to be wise in this fragile stage and to prioritize the national interest.

He urged to speed up the formation of a new cabinet to "provide the political cover that would safeguard the country against the successive explosions."

For his part, Progressive Socialist Party leader, also a member of parliament, Walid Jumblat, accused the Zionist entity of being behind the Thursday blast.

"I accuse Israel of being behind the explosion in Dahiyeh," Jumblat told local media outlets shortly after the blast, calling on the state's bodies to consolidate.

Lebanese Forces leader, Samir Geagea, called on concerned authorities to adopt necessary measures to identify the assailants "and try them in courts."

A group dubbed the Brigades of Aisha Umm al-Moemeneen claimed responsibility for the bombing in a video posted online and threatened to launch further attacks against the civic neighborhoods.

A similar blast targeted the neighborhood of Bir al-Abed in Beirut's southern suburb  on July 9, leaving over 50 people wounded.