Global Condemnations of Tripoli's Deadly Attacks

U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon on Friday condemned the deadly double car bombing in the northern city of Tripoli and appealed for restraint in the fractured country split over the war in neighboring Syria.

"The secretary-general strongly condemns the two bomb explosions, shortly after Friday prayers, outside two mosques in Tripoli," a U.N. statement said.

He went on to call on all Lebanese to "exercise restraint, to remain united, and to support their state institutions, particularly the security forces, in maintaining calm and order in Tripoli and throughout the country, and in preventing the recurrence of such destructive actions."

"The Secretary-General hopes that those responsible for such cowardly acts of violence will be brought to justice as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said she was "appalled" by the attacks in Tripoli and called for a swift investigation.

Ashton "condemns this terrorist attack in the strongest terms and reaffirms that terrorism and any use of violence against civilians are completely unacceptable," a statement from her office said.

"She calls for a swift investigation into the events and to bring the perpetrators to justice."

The United States also condemned Friday's blasts.

U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice wrote on Twitter that Washington "strongly condemns" the attacks, which also injured around 500 people.

Rice also extended condolences for "the loss of innocent life."

French President Francois Hollande also strongly condemned the "odious, cowardly attacks" in Tripoli.

Hollande pledged France's continued support for Lebanon "in this tragic context", and backed the efforts of President Michel Suleiman and the Lebanese army to "safeguard Lebanon from the consequences of the Syrian crisis."

The two powerful car bombs killed 42 people and wounded hundreds in the deadliest attack since the country's 1975-1990 civil war.

The attack has further stoked fears that Syria's civil war could boil over into Lebanon, where clashes have periodically erupted between supporters and opponents of the regime in Damascus.