LONDON, Feb. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- The British government on Monday condemned the bombing attack in Beirut that killed Lebanon's former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, claiming that it was "an act of terror" on the stability of Lebanon.

    "I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Mr. Haririplayed a big role in rebuilding Lebanon after the devastation of the civil war," British Foreign Secretary said in a statement.

    "Until now, Beirut and Lebanon as a whole have enjoyed relative peace and security, so this is a setback as well as an act of terror," Straw said. "I deplore this attack on a highly respected figure, on democracy and on the stability of Lebanon."

    Hariri was killed in a powerful explosion in the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Monday. At least eight others were also killed, including some of Hariri's bodyguards.

    Hariri, 60, a Sunni Muslim, resigned last October. He came to office first in 1992 and headed five governments over 12 years. Enditem