Ban firmly condemns terrorist attacks in Damascus

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon late Saturday "firmly condemns" the multiple bomb attacks earlier in the day in Damascus, Syria, and called for "all violence to cease immediately," his press office said in a statement. The almost simultaneous blasts, which targeted government buildings, killed at least 27 people and injured scores more. The Government blamed the opposition which denied any involvement. Analysts said it could be Al-Qaida's work. Excluding the government, Ban extended his sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and to the Syrian people. The blasts occurred on the eve of the arrival today Sunday of a UN mission to negotiate a peace plan to end the violence and secure humanitarian access to the needy. The country entered this week its second year of turmoil which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people who want to oust President Bashar Al-Assad.