Aoun: Blast Probe Needs Some Time, Hizbullah Not Blocking Govt. Formation
President Michel Aoun has said that “some time is needed” for results to start emerging from Lebanon’s probe into the devastating August 4 explosion in Beirut.
“We had the will to reach a quick result in the probe into the blast that occurred at Beirut port on August 4, but we eventually realized that things are intertwined and require some time,” said Aoun an in interview with French news channel BFMTV.
“All hypotheses are still on the table,” the president added.
The cause of the fire that ignited nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate stored at Beirut's port remains unclear. Documents have emerged showing that the country's top leadership, including Aoun, and security officials were aware of the chemicals that had been stored there for years.
The blast killed 180 people and wounded more than 6,000. At least 30 people are still missing.
Aoun said the probe is divided into three parts. The first aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the cargo, the second where it came from and who shipped it and the third to find who was responsible for handling and securing it.
When asked about what measures he took when he learned of the explosives in July, Aoun said the information came to him "very late," but his military adviser was reassured that those with direct responsibility were handling the matter.
"They all were informed," Aoun said, adding that he made sure those who could take measures to secure the area were in the loop.
Aoun said the FBI and French investigators were helping because "they, more than us, have the capability and ability to find out the details of what got the ship here, what is the source and who owns it."
Aoun added that he asked for satellite images to determine if there was an air raid, saying he hasn't ruled out the possibility of a foreign missile attack.
As for the formation of a new government, Aoun said he wants a government that would achieve quick results as to the much-needed reform.
“We’re greatly running behind on that,” he added.
Aoun also denied that Hizbullah is “obstructing reform” or “preventing the quick formation of a government.”
Asked about the public anger, Aoun said he shares the rage.
"They call me the father of the people," he said. "I am one of them."
16 August 2020, 14:25
09
Aoun said he wants a government that would achieve quick results as to the much-needed reform.
You have been in office for 4 years and have done NOTHING except talk and defend your bosses in hezbollah and Iran.
16 August 2020, 14:46
03
The majority of the Lebanese they don't want a government controlled bij warlords and their militias, they want to live in peace with each other, they have no problem to have a neighbour with different religion, they want a fair and honest future for their children without corruption.
Of course the warlords and the religious heads do realise that when the Lebanese people are united and no animosity between them ,their existence right will end and they become obsolete.
16 August 2020, 15:00
03
According to Forbes Magazine
حلّ رئيس الجمهورية ميشال عون في المركز الرابع بثروة قدرت بـ1.2 مليار دولار.
16 August 2020, 15:03
04
The leader who tells i want to protect my people ( belonging to religion X,Y or Z) is a liar and crook, this leader is only interested in his agenda and his bank account;. Since almost 80 years these leaders( from all religions) brought misery to all Lebanese. We want an honest leader who says" I am for all Lebanese disregard their religion".
16 August 2020, 16:10
04
They need more time to weave a cover of deciept. Smoke and mirrors.
16 August 2020, 18:00
03
Is it ignorance or greed? do they have good intention but they are ignorant that they make wrong decisions? or their greed makes them evil? It seems both they are evil and ignorant.
16 August 2020, 18:47
02
Kizb always blocks the government formation because they want a weak ineffectual one so they can do what they want without interference. And someone remind me again when old man aoun had had criticized kizb....
The people blocking the government is kizb, aoun, and basil---they want to be the only relevant ones.
16 August 2020, 18:58
01
I can't wait to see you in the orbituaries column on the right!
16 August 2020, 20:16
01
Ask this guy if he still remembers where he put Diab’s resignation paper let alone what he espoused when folks like me believed in him. He who bastardized his convictions with the likes of Hizbullah, has none. ارحل
