Mikati: Lebanon is in Danger

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati stated that Lebanon is "in danger," and that "nothing can save it except for the unity of the Lebanese and our elevation above selfishness and personal interests." In a statement issued on Wednesday, he said: "On the first anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, I can only bow in front of the souls of the victims who fell on this fateful day in the life of the nation." He added: "We stand by the families of the victims as they demand justice and the full truth." He continued: "We demand that everyone cooperate with the judiciary to reach the desired goal and to punish all those who had a hand in this crime against the nation and its people." Despite a year passing, no direct accusations have been made against any high-profile officials regarding the explosion, which represents the worst disaster in modern Lebanese history. Mikati concluded: "On this painful anniversary, we issue a loud cry based on our national responsibility, and we say to everyone without exception that the country is in danger, and that nothing can save it except our unity and rise above selfishness and personal interests. May God protect Lebanon and its patient people." On Wednesday, Lebanon commemorates the one-year anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, which killed over 200 people, displaced more than 300,000, and caused immense destruction in the Lebanese capital. A few days prior, Mikati announced his acceptance to form an alternative government to Hassan Diab's, which was dismissed following the devastating explosion.