The Secretary-General strongly condemns the terrorist bombing near the Iranian embassy in the Bir Hassan neighbourhood of Beirut which killed at least twenty-three civilians, including reportedly one Iranian diplomat, and injured over a hundred others. He extends his condolences to the families of those killed, as well as to the Government of Lebanon and to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He extends his sympathies to those injured.

The Secretary-General calls on all in Lebanon to recognise that such appalling and indiscriminate acts of violence target all in Lebanon. 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.

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.