(Xinhua) -- The Cairo-based Arab League (AL) and Egypt on Wednesday condemned the explosion in Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli that killed at least 17 people and injured 40 others. In a statement issued hours after the blast, AL Secretary General Amr Moussa termed the event as "terrorist act" and expressed his strong condemnation.
The criminal event aims at destabilizing the political, security situation and the new government in the country, said Moussa.
The AL chief called on all Lebanese political factions to close ranks to fight against terrorists and criminals, who are seeking to plunge Lebanon into riots and political instability once again.
Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit also condemned the blast in northern Lebanon that is seeking to destabilize the country, according to the Egyptian MENA news agency.
It's regrettable that these events occurred at a time when Lebanon is witnessing positive political developments, said Abul Gheit.
On Wednesday morning, an explosion took place in Tripoli, killing 17 people and injuring some 40 others, the LBC TV reported.