Terrorist attack in Beirut meant to sow discord in Lebanon: Iran

TEHRAN,Oct.21(MNA) – The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast condemned on Friday the recent terrorist bomb attack in Beirut, in which a number of civilians lost their lives and many others were injured. Mehmanparast said that the attack was intended to sow discord among various Lebanese groups. “This act has been done with the aim of creating rift among various factions in Lebanon,” he stated, adding, “And this act has been done by those elements who have never cared about the interests of the Lebanese people and government and do not think about anything other than their evil objectives.” Mehmanparast called for an immediate identification and punishment of the perpetrators of the attack and sympathized with the bereaved families and the Lebanese nation and government. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman also called on all Lebanese groups and parties to prevent the realization of the enemies’ plots through demonstrating vigilance and unity. He added that it is the Zionist regime, which is the “main enemy” of the people in Lebanon and other regional countries, that “undoubtedly” benefits from “insecurity and instability” in the region. In addition, it was reported on Saturday that Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi had held a telephone conversation with Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour. According to the reports, Salehi condemned the attack and called on various groups in Lebanon to maintain their unity at this sensitive juncture.