Hale Says FBI to Join Beirut Blast Probe
Arab World
Asharq Al-Awsat
Visiting US Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale revealed on Thursday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will join Lebanon and other international investigators in the probe into the deadly Beirut Port blast. Hale said during a visit to Gemmayze, one of the impacted neighborhoods in Beirut, that the FBI will take part in the investigation at the invitation of Lebanese authorities. He said the participation in the probe is one of the ways the US is helping Lebanon in dealing with the aftermath of the August 4 explosion, which left 171 people dead. The blast has been blamed on a vast stock of ammonium nitrate left in a warehouse at the port for years despite repeated warnings. It is still not known what caused the fire responsible for igniting nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate. But documents have emerged that show the country’s top leadership and security officials were aware of the stockpile. French investigators are also taking part in the probe. Hale, who arrived in Lebanon Thursday on a two-day visit, was briefed by young volunteers in Gemmayze on assistance to those whose homes were destroyed in the explosion. He said Lebanon needed "economic and fiscal reforms, an end to dysfunctional governance and to empty promises." He is due to meet with Lebanese officials, religious figures and civil society members on Friday. Earlier Thursday a statement by the US Embassy said that Hale is expected to “reiterate the American government’s commitment to assist the Lebanese people in recovering from the tragedy and rebuilding their lives.” He will also stress the “urgent need” for embracing fundamental reforms, it said.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2446391/hale-says-fbi-join-beirut-blast-probe
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