Donors tie aid for Lebanon after blast to reforms

BEIRUT — World leaders and international groups pledged nearly $300 million in emergency humanitarian aid to Beirut after a devastating explosion but warned on Sunday that no money for rebuilding the capital will be made available until Lebanese authorities commit themselves to the political and economic reforms demanded by the people.

Over 30 participants to the international conference offered help for a “credible and independent” investigation into the Beirut explosion Tuesday, another demand of the Lebanese crowds who took to the streets Saturday and Sunday.

In Beirut, two Lebanese Cabinet ministers, including a top aide to the premier, resigned amid signals that the government might be unraveling. The blast in the capital killed 160 and wounded 6,000.

The resignation of Information Minister Manal Abdel-samad, in which she cited failure to meet the people’s aspirations and last week’s blast, was followed by a swirl of reports that other ministers were resigning too.

Late Sunday, Environment Minister Demanios Kattar resigned, calling the ruling system “flaccid and sterile.”

He stepped down despite closeddoor meetings into the evening and a flurry of phone calls between Prime Minister Hassan Diab and several ministers after Abdel-samad’s announcement. The political haggling had appeared to put off more resignations, and a Cabinet meeting is planned Monday.

If seven of the 20 ministers resign, the Cabinet would effectively have to step down but remain in place as a caretaker government.

Maha Yahya, the director of the Beirut-based Carnegie Middle East Center, said the talks clearly point to backroom deals that seek a new government that is acceptable to domestic and international powers.