BEIRUT: Several Arab Gulf countries have condemned the recent bombing in Beirut that claimed the life of senior security official Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan and expressed their readiness to support Lebanon preserve its stability.
"Saudi Arabia denounces such a criminal act that targeted Lebanon’s stability and Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan," the Saudi Press Agency quoted an official source as saying Saturday.
The source also blasted the bombing Friday in the Beirut neighborhood, describing it contravened “Islamic and moral values and principles and lacked any humanity.”
Saudi Arabia, according to the source, also urged the need for an investigation into the bombing and that the identity of the perpetrators be uncovered.
The source also conveyed the condolences of Saudi King Abdullah to Lebanon’s president, the families of the victims and the Lebanese people and wished a speedy recovery to those who were wounded in the deadly blast.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that the Saudi Embassy in Beirut sent text messages to its nationals in Lebanon warning them to stay away from “tense” areas in the country.
A huge explosion rocked the Beirut neighborhood of Ashrafieh Friday, leaving at least five people killed, including Hasan. More than 100 people were also wounded in the blast, the most serious explosion in the country since 2008.
On Friday, a United Arab Emirates official condemned the “cowardly, terrorist bombing” and said the Gulf country stood ready to assist Lebanon preserve its security and stability.
“The UAE condemns this cowardly, terrorist bombing and stresses it’s position to stand beside Lebanon and is ready to assist in securing all means of preserving its security and stability,” State Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Qarqash was quoted by the Emirates WAM news agency as saying Friday.
The agency quoted him as saying that it was essential that the circumstance surrounding the incident be uncovered and the perpetrators be brought to justice.
Separately, the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) quoted Saturday a senior official at the Foreign Ministry as denouncing the “cowardly bombing” that took place in Beirut.
“Kuwait will always stand by Lebanon in what preserves the citizen’s stability and security,” the official said.
The official also called on Lebanese citizens to unite and confront all those who have “ill intentions” Lebanon.