UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday condemned a series of bombings in Syrian capital Damascus, reiterating that a political solution is the only way out of the ongoing crisis in the country.p "The secretary-general condemns the series of bombings in populated areas in the Syrian capital Damascus today, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries," said a statement issued here by Ban' s spokesperson.

The UN chief reiterated his firm conviction that resorting to violence and military means will only lead to more suffering and destruction.

In the statement, the UN chief renewed his call on all parties to end the violence and respect international humanitarian law.

He also sent his "deepest condolences" to the families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Earlier in the day, a suicide car bomber detonated his explosive-laden car at a busy intersection in the heart of Damascus near the headquarters of the ruling al-Baath party, killing more than 53 people, according to the state-media.

It was also reported that a second car bombing rocked the north-eastern Damascus area of Barzi, targeting a military intelligence building. And simultaneous blasts hit checkpoints manned by pro-government militiamen, known as Shabiha, in the area.

Meanwhile, the UN chief, in a separate note issued here to the press, strongly condemned "the indiscriminate attacks against civilians which occurred today in the Indian city of Hyderabad" and extended his "heartfelt condolences" to the families of the victims and to the government and people of India.

At least 12 people were killed and scores of others injured when twin blasts took place near a theater in the popular Dilsukhnagar district of Hyderabad. The police said it could be a terrorist attack. Endi