Protesters clash with security forces during a demonstration in parliament in Beirut on August 8.
Photographer: Hasan Shaaban / Bloomberg
Photographer: Hasan Shaaban / Bloomberg
Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab said on Monday he would propose elections as protesters briefly occupied several government buildings to force the removal of a political class they blamed for this week devastating explosion that killed more than 150 people.
“Our tragedy is great and requires exceptional decisions,” Diab said in a televised address, saying he would stay in office for two months to give change a chance. “Today, and with the disaster we are living in, we need everyone to work together so that we can get through this difficult moment.”
Although early elections were a major demand of Protestants against anti-government, his speech did little to calm the crowd, dozens of whom managed to gain access to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economy and Energy, such as the Association of Banks in Beirut. They destroyed photos of President Michel Aoun and promised to remove the entire ruling elite. Army troops managed to finish the lighting later in the evening.
Earlier, security forces fired tear gas at hundreds of people converting in downtown Beirut, setting off noises in an outburst of rage over the explosion that destroyed parts of the capital. The blast was caused by 2,750 tons of explosives that were left in the country’s main port for six years, despite repeated safety warnings.
Many expressed anger and disbelief in efforts to push them back in the wake of Tuesday’s blast, which left thousands injured and left 300,000 homeless. Lebanese Red Cross said 63 wounded Protestants were taken to hospitals during the center’s protests and 170 others were treated on the ground. One member of the Internal Security Fores died in a fall at a downtown hotel.
The demonstrations broke out on the eve of an international aid conference to support Lebanon, a country crippled by corruption and in the midst of a currency crisis that has currency, rising inflation and depleted life savings.
Hearings set on fire during a demonstration at the parliament in Beirut on August 8.
Photographer: Hasan Shaaban / Bloomberg
Global leaders included US President Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s conference. The video conference will be co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and the United Nations. Macron said during a visit to Beirut on Thursday he would make sure that any aid goes directly to the Lebanese people and not into “corrupt hands.”
Several Lebanese allies have offered support since Tuesday’s incident in the port of Beirut. Authorities said the largest explosions in the city’s history caused billions of dollars worth of damage.
The explosion came at a time when Lebanon was faltering during its worst financial collapse in decades. The administration is in talks with the International Monetary Fund for a $ 10 billion loan program, but those negotiations were halted because Lebanese politicians could not agree on the reforms.
Gulf states, European countries and the US have sent mobile clinics, food, fuel and medicines to the country. European Council President Charles Michel was in Beirut on Saturday and promised support.
A fragmented Beirut leaves Lebanese wondering if they have a future
Promises of relief come as Lebanese Hezbollah leader dismisses speculation that the militant group had stashed weapons in the port of Beirut for these devastating explosions this week. Officials have blamed the accident on an unscrupulous ammonium nitrate store, disconnected from a ship in 2014 and detained at the port despite repeated security warnings. Hezbollah is part of the ruling coalition.
Lebanese President Aoun said Friday that an investigation would investigate if it was caused by a bomb or other external interference. “The cause has not yet been determined. “There is a possibility of external interference via a rocket or bomb as another act,” said Aoun.
Both rejected calls for an international inquiry, but Lebanese critics worry that local authorities were too politically influenced.
World leaders will hold a conference on Lebanon aid on Sunday
Damaged residential buildings stand above 8 destroyed warehouses in the port of Beirut on 8 August.
Photographer: Hasan Shaaban / Bloomberg
Lebanon has arrested 20 people, including port and customs officials, and placed anyone who has had an official role in the port under house arrest since 2014. A team of French explosives experts arrived in Beirut on Thursday to assist in the investigation led by the Lebanese army and police intelligence.
To protest against the current government backed by Hezbollah, the Kataeb party – a Christian group opposed to the ruling majority – announced the resignation of its members from parliament. The party’s general secretary, Nizar Najarian, was killed in the blast. Second Chamber member Marwan Hamadeh, a member of the party of Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, and independent lawmaker Paula Yacoubian also announced her resignation.
Even before the explosion, anger had built up in Lebanon. A bout of protests that began late last year fizzled out in the face of a lockdown to combat the spread of coronavirus. The government is still in it talks to the International Monetary Fund for a bailout, while the currency has collapsed, saving lives, with a shortage of dollars decimating trade and pushing the economy into a steep counterpoint.
– With the help of Helene Fouquet
.
