United Nations, May 22, SPA -- All sides should do their utmost to protect civilians amid fighting in northern Lebanon between the army and Palestinian factions over the past two days, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said in a statement Monday released by his spokeswoman. Michele Montas told reporters on behalf of Ban, that the secretary-general welcomes the united stand taken by Palestinian factions in Lebanon denouncing these attacks on the Lebanese army. The secretary-general also strongly condemns yesterday's terrorist bombing in Beirut. "He urges the Lebanese to unite in the face of threats to their stability and security," said Montas.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/451995