Top German Diplomat: Lebanon Needs 'Reboot', Far-reaching Economic Reforms
Arab World
Asharq Al-Awsat
Lebanon needs a “strong reboot” and far-reaching economic reforms to rebuild trust with its citizens, Germany's foreign minister said ahead of his trip Wednesday to Beirut, following last week's massive explosion at the city's port that killed at least 171 people and wounded thousands. Heiko Maas said he was traveling to the Lebanon's capital Beirut to “find out about the situation and consequences of the explosion and express our condolences and support.” He landed a few hours later in Beirut and was scheduled to tour the destroyed port and meet with members of local NGOs, as well as the country's president. Germany has pledged 20 million euros (about 23 million dollars) in immediate help after the catastrophic Aug. 4 explosion that tore through the Lebanese capital with such intensity that it created a tremor felt in neighboring Cyprus. Thousands of buildings in the heart of the Beirut were destroyed and many more left homeless. The explosion was the result of thousands of tons of ammonium nitrated that were stored in the city's port for more than six years, apparently with the knowledge of top political and security officials, The Associated Press reported. Maas said he would hold talks in Beirut to see how the money can quickly get to the people who need it. He said he would also talk to the nation's political leaders and representatives of civil society about the future of Lebanon. "The country now needs a strong reboot and far-reaching economic reforms. It’s the only way Lebanon can create a good future for its youth. It’s the only way to build the needed trust,” he stressed.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2444151/top-german-diplomat-lebanon-needs-reboot-far-reaching-economic-reforms
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