UN chief 'deeply alarmed' over explosions of wireless communication devices in Lebanon, Syria

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply alarmed over the deadly explosions of wireless communication devices in Lebanon and Syria, his spokesman said Wednesday.

"The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by reports that a large number of communication devices exploded across Lebanon, as well as in Syria, on 17 and 18 September, killing at least eleven people, including children, and injuring thousands," Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

The statement came as at least 12 people, including children, were killed and thousands others wounded following pager explosions in Lebanon.

Guterres urges all concerned actors to exercise "maximum restraint" to avert any further escalation, he stressed.

"The Secretary-General urges the parties to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and immediately return to a cessation of hostilities to restore stability," Dujarric said.

The UN supports all diplomatic and political efforts to end the violence that threatens to engulf the region, he added.