Jordan on Thursday strongly condemned an explosion that took place in front of its Baghdad-based embassy and described it as a "cowardly terrorist act".

Nabil Al-Sharif, Jordanian government's media spokesman, said in Amman in a statement that criminal act would not dissuade Jordan from lending the Iraqi people a helping hand and advancing efforts aimed at achieving stability and security in Iraq.

At least 10 people were killed and 40 others wounded in a huge car bombing attack near the Jordanian Embassy in the western part of Baghdad on Thursday.

The blast, which occurred at 11:05 a.m. local time (0705 GMT), set ablaze five passing vehicles, including a mini-bus and several other cars parking in front of the embassy.

No casualty among Jordanian diplomats working in the embassy was reported, Al-Sharif said, adding the Jordanian charge d'affaires in Baghdad was outside the embassy building when the explosion occurred.

He noted that some looting acts took place after the explosion.

Al-Sharif did not put the blame of the explosion on any party, saying it was not time yet to level charges at any organization or individual.

(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2003)