France and the United States have called for the swift announcement of the results of the investigation into the Beirut port explosion that took place in August of last year, claiming the lives of more than 200 people.
In a joint statement from the foreign ministries of France and the United States today, Thursday, it was mentioned that "six months after the explosion that occurred on August 4 at the Beirut port... France and the United States urge to expedite the announcement of the investigation results to uncover the causes of the explosion," adding, "The Lebanese justice system must operate transparently, free from any political interference."
The statement also emphasized the "urgent and vital need for officials in Lebanon to fulfill their commitments to form a credible and effective government, in addition to paving the way for the implementation of necessary reforms according to the aspirations of the Lebanese people."
The French-American statement indicated that "these concrete steps remain critically important for France, the United States, and their regional and international partners to provide additional long-term support for Lebanon," noting that "France and the United States will continue to provide urgent assistance to the Lebanese people, including in health, education, housing, and food support."
On August 4, 2020, a very powerful explosion occurred at the Beirut port, resulting in deaths, injuries, and significant material damage to buildings, homes, and vehicles. Lebanese authorities stated that the cause of the explosion was the presence of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, which had been confiscated by customs in 2014 and stored in a warehouse.
