DThe Lebanese capital was cursed early on Wednesday Anniversary Large-scale explosions destroyed several parts of the port and city, killing more than 200 people and injuring more than 6,000. Government offices, banks, many businesses and shops are closed. Street vendors suspect that business is good and have set up stalls with Lebanese flags to deal with protesters.
In the early afternoon, the area around Beirut Port was largely empty. But only a few hours later, the scene of the disaster showed a different picture. Protests and funeral parades started in several places in the city: people gushing from the surrounding neighborhoods, carrying photos of the victims, flowers, wreaths and flags, until a group of people crowded the neighboring city highway.
“decrease in immunity”
“The people demand the overthrow of immunity” is one of the slogans chanted by the demonstrators; it alluded to the parliament’s refusal to pave the way for the interrogation of several ministers. The demonstrators insulted politicians as “criminals” and “terrorists.” When the protest march of the victim’s family arrived, applause rang. At 6:07 pm, a silent commemorative event was held-at least hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate were detonated a year ago. Despite repeated warnings, as many as 2,750 tons of explosive chemicals have not been protected at the port in the past 7 years. Plan to demonstrate to Parliament on the evening of the anniversary. In the evening, clashes broke out near the government area. The security forces used tear gas.
The people are extremely angry with the politicians. The people of Beirut find it difficult to overcome their trauma. National investigations have stalled due to the destruction of the country’s political class. Senior officials and government members have not been held accountable, although there is increasing evidence that at least the highest level of negligence. In addition, the people’s struggle for economic survival is also playing a role. You are suffering from an economic crisis, which was listed by the World Bank as one of the ten (if not three) most serious financial crises since the mid-19th century.
Every Tuesday
While the international community is raising more funds to alleviate the plight of the Lebanese, the demonstrators have not yet left the port. France and the United Nations jointly organized a virtual meeting on Wednesday to expand humanitarian assistance. According to the French Presidential Palace, a total of 370 million US dollars (312 million euros) was raised. Paris pledged 100 million U.S. dollars, Berlin pledged 40 million U.S. dollars, and Washington pledged 100 million U.S. dollars. Among other things, food, medical support and educational aid will be funded.
EU has issued sanctions
President of France Emmanuel Macron Make it clear that aid should be provided directly to the people. He said: “The political system will not have blank checks,” he said: “Lebanon deserves a better life instead of relying on international aid.” Because the political blockade has paralyzed the country for nearly a year. “There is still no progress in forming a government or implementing much-needed reforms,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas criticized in an anniversary statement. That is irresponsible.
The current government is almost unable to take action. She has only taken office since she resigned shortly after the explosion disaster. The two prime minister-designates have failed to form a new cabinet, including the former head of government Saad Hariri. The new candidate Najib Miqati recently described the government formation process as “slow”. The traditionally protracted stance of bargaining hinders the formation of a government. The ministries are distributed among representatives of various religious groups in Lebanon-Christians, Sunni and Shiite Muslims, and Druze.
The West has recently increased its pressure on the political class. EU sanctions have now been decided under the guidance of France. According to diplomats, punitive measures may affect the country’s second-tier political leaders at some point. It is said that there is one for each related group.
