Aoun 'Didn’t' Interfere in Blast Probe, Chlala Says
The President’s media adviser Rafik Chlala said Saturday that President Michel Aoun “did not interfere in the ongoing investigation” in Beirut’s port blast, but requested “immediate action” after being informed of the threat around two weeks before the explosion.
“President Aoun never interfered in the ongoing investigation of the port blast. True he did ask for quick investigation, but that does not mean he intereferd. He never did, not with the investigating judge nor with any judicial authority,” said Chlala.
“A report prepared by the State Security Directorate about amounts of ammonium nitrate stored at the port arrived in the regular mail to the President on July 21,” said Chlala in remarks to VDL radio station.
Adding that Aoun had “requested immediate action from his security and military advisers asking them to follow up the matter with the Secretary General of the Higher Defense Council.”
His remarks come after charges of “negligence” issued Friday against caretaker PM Hassan Diab and three ex-ministers in the case.
Calls for the President's accountability in the case arose after that, stemming from the fact that Aoun had knowledge about the ammonium nitrate before the explosion happened.
On allegations that the issue was discussed at a meeting between Aoun and the Higher Judicial Council at Baabda Palace, hinting at interference in the case, Chala said the claims are “baseless.”
12 December 2020, 12:46
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requested “immediate action” after being informed of the threat around two weeks before the explosion.
What is that supposed to mean? For the silliest things Aoun calls the higher defense council for a meeting and asks them to clean up drains. Yet, in this instance, he did nothing and of course he is not to blame.
Alas!
12 December 2020, 12:47
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Adding that Aoun had “requested immediate action from his security and military advisers asking them to follow up the matter with the Secretary General of the Higher Defense Council.”
What was the immediate action taken by his security and military advisors? Nothing...
12 December 2020, 12:52
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i would investigate aoun and his clan for all the corruption, for treason in backing of illegitimate iranian militia and the port blast. Isn't he the top guy that has been dragging lebanon in endless wars for the last 20 years? Lock him up with a good supply of men diapers or send him to live with hassan in the dahia sewers whatever he wants
12 December 2020, 13:28
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He incriminates Aoun himself and the irony is he does not realize it:)
12 December 2020, 13:46
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Everyone gets jail sentence for negligence. Anyone who heard or read anything about the nitrate need to be thrown in jail for not raising red flag and executing 9/11 immediate emergency removal of the TNT.
If the TNT was in your house, would you have notified via regular mail and would you referred to the specific agent to deal with it OR you would have asked all Beirut people to leave the city immediately and Now.
13 December 2020, 12:39
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After legal threats by HA at two prominent politicians, this appears, nice try. What is sad is the fact that what we thought were Aoun’s goons turns out their not his at all. HA is in full control.
