
Former PMs call for an international or Arab investigation committee
Wednesday, Aug 05, 2020
NNA - Former Prime Ministers Najib Mikati, Fouad Siniora, Saad Hariri and Tammam Salam held a meeting today at the Center House during which they discussed the developments in the country, notably the disastrous explosion that occurred at Beirut Port and killed more than one hundred martyrs, wounded more than four thousand citizens and afflicted tens of thousands.
The Former Prime Ministers issued a statement read by Premier Fouad Siniora:
The former prime ministers extend their heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs, hoping that God Almighty will have mercy on their souls, heal the wounded and help all those afflicted by the terrible and unprecedented explosion that hit Beirut.
The steadfast city of Beirut that has been suffering for more than four decades from endless chains of destruction and abuse is hit by a catastrophe, which could have been avoided if it was not for the absence of leadership, insight, and will. This had led earlier to a major breakdown in the confidence of the Lebanese people in the government and the Mandate, as well as the trust of the Arab and international communities in them.
If official security and civil services have been present in the port without being aware of these terrible dangers, it is necessary to hold accountable all those who did not take administrative and judicial measures that could have prevented this catastrophe.
Therefore, the former Prime Ministers find it necessary to ask the United Nations or the Arab League to form an international or Arab investigation committee composed of judges and investigators who are professional and impartial to start their duties in uncovering the circumstances and causes of the catastrophe that occurred in Lebanon.
At the same time, the former Prime Ministers call on all the services in the port to work together to preserve the scene of the crime and to ensure that it is not tampered with.
Dear Lebanese and Beirutis, it is true that the calamity is great and enormous, and it has affected most of the inhabitants and houses of the capital, but the will of its people and the will of the Lebanese will not be broken. It is our duty to ensure solidarity and hard work, particularly in light of the clear facts and transparent results of the investigations, to uncover the direct and indirect responsible of this catastrophe, which occurred under the eyes of the Lebanese official agencies present in the Port.
The gravity of the situation requires everyone to look forward with unrelenting confidence and determination and a will to rebuild what was destroyed and damaged in order to advance our city and our capital. Therefore, we tell our people in Beirut and all the Lebanese, all the brothers and friends in the Arab world and the world, that Beirut, the capital that you love, is calling you and crying out to you. It needs you and your help in order to return and stand as the pearl of the Arab capitals, the city of glory and a symbol of the state that is keen to impose its full authority on all its facilities and areas.