Lebanese minister condemns rockets attack near UN building

Lebanese Tourism Minister Joseph Sarkis on Sunday condemned a rockets attack on a building near UN headquarters in Beirut early in the morning, saying it is committed by people trying to destroy Lebanon's reputation abroad.

It is an attempt for the perpetrators to destroy Lebanon's security and its reputation as a tourist-friendly country, Sarkis told a press conference.

"The government will not allow such actions to affect Lebanon," said Sarkis, adding he would demand the government take measures to curb such destruction during the cabinet meeting on Monday.

Unknown militants fired three rockets at a building near the UN headquarters in central Beirut around 2:30 a.m. Sunday (2330 GMT Saturday), wounding six civilians slightly.

Sarkis said that such attacks would have great implications on the Lebanese economy as it comes right before the Eid al-Fitr festivities which are expected to attract tourists.

Earlier this month, two bombs were thrown at two police stations in the country, causing minor damage but no casualties.

Source: Xinhua