(PARIS) - The European Union on Wednesday condemned a bomb blast that killed at least 14 people in the north Lebanese city of Tripoli, vowing to keep working for "security and unity" in the country.

"The presidency of the European Union condemns in the strongest terms the attack that occurred this morning in Tripoli," the current French presidency of the EU said in a statement following the blast that targeted Lebanese soldiers.

"Full light must be shed on this terrorist act. The presidency of the European Union reaffirms its commitment to support Lebanon and the Lebanese people in their fight against terrorism."

The EU also vowed the attack must "not hinder the implementation" of an Arab-brokered power-sharing agreement brokered in May, that pulled the country back from the brink of a new civil war.

"We will continue to take full part in efforts to promote the security and unity of Lebanon, which are essential to the stability of the region."

Forty people were also wounded in the attack that ripped through a busy shopping street in the heart of the Mediterranean port city during the morning rush hour, a security official said.

The attack came just a day after a national unity government, formed by Prime Minister Fuad Siniora following 18 months of tensions with the Hezbollah-led opposition, finally won a vote of confidence in parliament.

Text and Picture Copyright 2008 AFP. All other Copyright 2008 EUbusiness Ltd. All rights reserved. This material is intended solely for personal use. Any other reproduction, publication or redistribution of this material without the written agreement of the copyright owner is strictly forbidden and any breach of copyright will be considered actionable.