Ban, Security Council Condemn 'Threat' to Lebanon's Stability, Plumbly 'Shocked' by Shatah Assassination

U.N. leader Ban Ki-moon and the U.N. Security Council on Friday raised fears over threats to Lebanon's stability after a bomb attack which killed a key former minister.

Ban and the U.N. Security Council strongly condemned the Beirut suicide bomb attack which killed six people including former Finance Minister Mohammed Shatah.

"The secretary general is deeply troubled by the recurring acts of terrorism in Lebanon which pose a severe threat to the country's stability and national cohesion," said U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky.

Ban praised efforts by Lebanese authorities and security forces to "protect the country from the impact of the crisis in neighboring Syria," added the spokesman.

The U.N. leader "reiterates the determination of the international community to support Lebanon's security and stability," during the mounting Syria crisis which increasingly threatens neighboring countries.

The 15-nation Security Council agreed a statement which highlighted "unequivocal condemnation of any attempt to destabilize Lebanon through political assassinations and demanded an immediate end to the use of intimidation and violence against political figures."

The council reaffirmed past calls for Lebanese "to preserve national unity in the face of attempts to undermine the country's stability and stressed the importance for all Lebanese parties to respect Lebanon's policy of disassociation and to refrain from any involvement in the Syrian crisis."

Meanwhile, U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly also condemned on Friday the assassination of Shatah, expressing his sorrow and shock by today's bombing.

He urged the need “for restraint at this difficult time and for all Lebanese to come together in support of institutions of the state and the security forces as they seek to safeguard the country at this difficult time.”

He stressed the importance of those responsible for this and other such acts of terrorism being brought to justice.

Plumbly described Shatah as a good friend, and a wise, courageous and patriotic man, who had consistently sought to promote dialogue and Lebanon’s well-being.

He extended his condolences to Shatah's family and colleagues, and to the families of all of the victims of the bombing.

Shatah was killed in a major car bombing in downtown Beirut on Friday.

At least six people were killed in the blast.