New Delhi (NVI): Lebanon’s government has stepped down as Prime Minister Hassan Diab blamed endemic corruption for a devastating explosion last week that tore through the capital city, Beirut, and left more than 200 people dead.
The announcement was made in a national TV address by PM Hassan yesterday evening.
“Today we follow the will of the people in their demand to hold accountable those responsible for the disaster that has been in hiding for seven years, and their desire for real change,” PM said in a speech announcing the resignation.
President Michel Aoun accepted the resignation and asked Diab’s government – formed in January with the backing of Iran’s powerful Hezbollah group and its allies – to stay as a caretaker until a new cabinet is formed.
Ahead of Diab’s announcement, protesters have taken to the streets and clashed with police for a third day in a row.
Many people have accused the country’s leaders of culpability through their alleged negligence and corruption.
Negligence by officials has sparked widespread public anger, which had already been stoked over the past year due to serious economic woes.
The massive blast on August 4 was caused by the detonation of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely at the port since 2013 with few safeguards despite numerous warnings of the danger.
About 20 people have been detained over the blast, including the head of Lebanon’s customs department and his predecessor, as well as the head of the port, according to media reports.
-CHK
