Arabi Strongly Slams Jabal Mohsen Blasts, Arab Delegation to Show 'Solidarity with Lebanon'

Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi “strongly” condemned Sunday the twin suicide bombing that killed nine people Saturday in Tripoli's Jabal Mohsen, on the eve of an expected “solidarity” visit by an Arab ministerial delegation to Lebanon.

In a statement released by his office, Arabi also lauded “the stances and wisdom of all the Lebanese political leaders who condemned this abhorrent crime.”

The attack “aims to undermine the path of security and stability and Lebanon and to ignite the fire of strife,” the secretary-general warned.

He also urged “all the Lebanese” to “embrace the Lebanese army and security forces.”

The attack was carried out by two suicide bombers who have been identified by the army as Tripoli residents Taha Samir al-Khayyal and Bilal Mohammed al-Meraayan. Both are Lebanese citizens according to the Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front, which had swiftly claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing.

Meanwhile, Kuwait's state news agency KUNA reported Sunday that “Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah will head tomorrow, Monday to the Lebanese republic at the head of an Arab delegation, given that the State of Kuwait has assumed chairmanship of the Arab League council.”

The delegation will also comprise Arab League chief Arabi and Mauritanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ahmed Ould Teguedi.

The visit is in line with the Arab League's decisions that aim to “highlight Arab solidarity with Lebanon's government and people and support the efforts that are being exerted at the political and economic levels to preserve security and stability across Lebanon,” KUNA said.

The Arab officials will discuss means to “boost stability and economic growth in Lebanon” while stressing the importance of “the national dialogue's resolutions.”

The delegation will also tackle the issue of “humanitarian aid for Syrian and Palestinian refugees,” the Kuwaiti agency said.

The Arab officials have meetings scheduled with several Lebanese officials, including Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil.

Y.R.