Aoun Calls Probe Into Beirut Port Explosion 'Complex'
Arab World
Asharq Al-Awsat
Lebanese President Michel Aoun said the probe into a devastating blast in Beirut is “very complex” and won’t be finished quickly. In an interview aired on Saturday, Aoun told French TV station BFMTV that it is "impossible" to step down because it would create a power vacuum. A devastating explosion on 4 August has caused a fire that ignited nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate stored at Beirut’s port remains unclear. Documents have emerged showing that the country’s top leadership, including Aoun, and security officials were aware of the chemicals that had been stored there for years, The Associated Press (AP) reported. The blast killed 180 people and wounded more than 6,000. At least 30 people are still missing. Aoun said the probe is divided into three parts. The first aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the cargo, the second where it came from and who shipped it and the third who was responsible for handling and securing it. “We had the determination to reach conclusions quickly but we found out that the issues are very complex and require time,” said Aoun. Asked about what measures he took when he learned of the explosives in July, Aoun said the information came to him “very late,” but his military adviser was reassured that those with direct responsibility were handling the matter. “They all were informed,” Aoun said. Also, he noted that the FBI and French investigators were helping because “they more than us have the capability and ability to find out the details of what got the ship here, what is the source and who owns it.” According to AP, Aoun said “it is impossible” for him to step down because it would create a power vacuum, adding that the moment is not right to hold presidential elections. “The political and popular atmosphere can't take new elections before restoring calm,” he noted. “They would be emotional and not a true representation of the people.” Aoun was elected in 2016, breaking more than 2 years deadlock in which Lebanon remained without a president.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2451401/aoun-calls-probe-beirut-port-explosion-complex
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