Just days away from the second anniversary of the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2019, the fire that has been raging for over two weeks in the grain silos, without being able to control it or a desire to do so, reflects the current state of resignation and procrastination, reaching a point of complicity in dealing with this tragedy. This represents the most horrifying scenario for commemorating the second anniversary of the explosion, and it is likely that August 4 each year will turn into nothing more than a bitter memory without knowing the truth about what happened or punishing anyone.
While the families of the victims prepare to commemorate this date amid calls for gatherings and protests demanding the truth and justice and the preservation of the silos, it seems that everyone has come to the conclusion that the investigation into the explosion will remain shelved next to dozens of previous investigations. The pressures exerted by the grieving families alone will likely go unheard as it has become clear that the truth no longer even matters to the international community, which has long portrayed itself as being primarily concerned with justice.
On the eve of the second anniversary of this explosion, the official statement issued by the Élysée Palace following Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to France did not touch upon this issue in any way. The statement exclusively mentioned "the support of the two countries (i.e., France and Saudi Arabia) for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, and the importance of implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms." It expressed satisfaction with the work of the Saudi-French fund to support humanitarian and relief efforts in Lebanon under the highest standards of transparency.
What the statement did not say was conveyed by sources acquainted with its outcomes, noting that both parties linked any new approach to the Lebanese file to the results of the presidential elections, without mentioning names or the specifications of the new president. They added to "Al-Diyar": "Riyadh and Paris are closely monitoring whether the Lebanese train has really been put on the path of reforms, and they will continue to focus their support on humanitarian and relief work, away from direct partnership with any government unless a clear agreement is signed with the IMF, from which further actions will be determined."
