Trump calls for Lebanon to hold ‘transparent investigation’ into blast

US President Donald Trump on Sunday called for Lebanon to conduct a “full and transparent investigation” into the huge explosion that hit Beirut, and expressed his support for protests demanding reform in the country.

Trump “urged the Government of Lebanon to conduct a full and transparent investigation, in which the United States stands ready to assist,” according to the White House, after he participated in a virtual conference on the international response to the disaster.

“The President called for calm in Lebanon and acknowledged the legitimate calls of peaceful protesters for transparency, reform, and accountability,” the White House added.The Lebanese army said Sunday that hopes have dwindled of finding survivors at the blast site following days of search-and-rescue operations.

The explosion that hit Beirut’s port devastated large parts of the Lebanese capital, claiming over 150 lives and wounding some 6,000 people.Most Lebanese authorities say Tuesday’s explosion was triggered by a fire in a port warehouse, where a shipment of ammonium nitrate, a chemical that can be used as a fertilizer or as an explosive, had languished for years.

World leaders, international organizations and a seething Lebanese public have pressed for an international probe, but President Michel Aoun has said that calls for such an investigation are a “waste of time.”

 

Arthur Blok

Veteran journalist, author, moderator and entrepreneur. The man with the unapologetic opinion who is always ready to help you understand and simplify the most complex (global) matters. Just ask.
See full bio >
The Liberum runs on your donation. Fight with us for a free society.
Donation Form (#6)

More articles you might like

Does research into Jew hatred deserve protection by law?

Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Mona Keijzer recently caused a media storm with a blunt statement […]

Climate Change as a new ideology and lucrative business model

The IPCC's narrative that the climate is changing under the influence of humans is questionable. […]
- - by Arthur Blok on 15/07/2024

Everyday life goes on in Lebanon despite fears of war

In the shadow of hostilities in southern Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel, ‘normal’ life goes […]
- by Hiba Kilany on 12/07/2024

Hypocrisy at its best

We are living in a hypocritical world… Something isn’t right. Let me tell you why. […]
- - by The Liberum on 06/07/2024

On the Path to Armenia-Azerbaijan Reconciliation

Azerbaijan and Armenia moved closer to peace since Azerbaijan re-established political control over its whole […]

Petro preferences – A ‘novel’ way to answer lingering questions

The story is semi-science fiction set in the very near future. Iran is at war with Saudi Arabia, and the only way the Saudis can tip the balance back in their favour is to buy up General Motors, the company manufacturing Iran’s superior tanks. Worse still, the villainous Iran here is led by none other than the Shah