No one will be protected from Beirut port investigation, Lebanon’s president says
Lebanese President Michel Aoun has said there will be no political protection for anyone implicated in the deadly explosion at Beirut port on August 4 last year.
Mr Aoun was responding to protests against the handling of the investigation into the disaster.
The explosion was caused by the detonation of hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a fertiliser ingredient that had been stored at the port for years with the knowledge of senior government officials.
More than 200 people died in the explosion, hundreds more were injured and Beirut neighbourhoods were heavily damaged.
Charges of political interference have dogged an investigation into the blast by a stateappointed judge.
Delays have frustrated the public, particularly after reports that most of Lebanon’s leadership, including Mr Aoun, knew the chemicals were being stored in the capital.
Hours-long protests were held outside the house of caretaker interior minister Mohammed Fahmi on Tuesday after he rejected a request by the lead investigator.
The investigator wanted to remove immunity for one of the most senior officials accused in the case, General Security agency chief Abbas Ibrahim, allowing him to be questioned.
The protesters considered Mr Fahmi’s refusal to be obstruction.
Mr Aoun said on Wednesday that the investigation was continuing and “there will be no political cover for anyone who was negligent or guilty”.
Mr Aoun’s comments came during a meeting with Patrick Durel, French President Emmanuel Macron’s envoy.
Mr Aoun also approved a plan to make August 4 a national day of mourning.
Victims’ families campaigned for such recognition.
Lebanon is in the middle of its worst economic crisis, but its leaders have been unable to form a government to lead negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for a recovery package.
The government resigned after the port explosion.
Prime minister-designate Saad Hariri has been unable to agree with Mr Aoun on a Cabinet and efforts to bridge their differences have failed.
On Wednesday, Mr Hariri proposed a 24-minister Cabinet of “experts” and said he expected a quick response from Mr Aoun.
On Thursday, Mr Hariri said he was resigning after Mr Aoun dismissed his latest proposal to form a government.