Beirut: The head of the United Nations called on Monday for an impartial and transparent investigation into a big Port Beirut explosion last year to ensure justice, after paying tribute to the victims of the explosion.
The explosion of August 4, 2020 has been described as one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in the world.
It destroyed the capital of Lebanon, killing at least 216 people and injured thousands.
Standing under the rain, the Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, who visited Lebanon, placed a bouquet of flowers on the warning with the names of victims at the Port of Beirut, the explosion site.
The explosion was caused by detonation of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate stored in the warehouse in the port for many years, apparently with knowledge of senior politicians and security officials who did nothing about it.
More than 16 months after the government launched a judicial investigation, almost everything else is still unknown – from the order to send delivery to why officials ignore repeated danger warnings.
The families of the victims have suppressed answers, accusing political parties inhibiting national investigations.
Then on Monday, Guterres Tweeted, urged for impartial and transparent investigations: “Lebanese people deserve the truth.” And after meeting with the Prime Minister Lebanon Najib Mikati, he repeated his support for a family search for justice.
“I have received a message from many victims who claim the need for truth to be determined, for the needs of independent investigations that are able to produce truth,” he said.
“I fully understand their concerns and I hope that the institution will be able to guarantee it.” The local probe, led by Judge Tarek Bitar, has faced many challenges, including criticism by politicians and strong lawsuits from the defendants who questioned their justice.
Disagreement of the work of the judge has paralyzed the government, which has not been fulfilled since October 12 despite the country’s economic, financial and political problems.
The strong Lebanon militant group hezbullah and two groups of allies demanded that the Bitar be replaced.
Guterres urged Lebanese political leaders to gather to overcome several of the country’s crises, especially the economic destruction that had drowned the medium-income nation into poverty.
The UN head arrived in Lebanon on Sunday for a three-day visit.
He said he was here to express solidarity with Lebanese people and urge the international community to offer more financial assistance to countries that need humanitarian assistance.