Lebanon

BEIRUT, Dec 17 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanese Prime Minister-designate, Saad Hariri, yesterday expressed his insistence, to investigate the whole truth behind the explosions of Beirut’s port, according to a statement by Hariri’s office.

“I assured the Patriarch, of our determination to know the truth, and our affirmation of the right of all Lebanese, and in the first place the right of the victims and their families, to know who was responsible for the port’s crime,” Hariri said, during his visit to Maronite Patriarch, Bechara al-Rahi.

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Two former Lebanese ministers charged with negligence over a huge explosion at Beirut port in August that killed 200 people indicated on Wednesday they would not appear for questioning before the judge handling the case.

Judge Fadi Sawan charged three former ministers and the caretaker prime minister last week, sparking a fierce debate about whether the judge had the authority to charge the politicians in a nation still seeking answers about the blast.

16 Dec 2020; MEMO: The path to forming a new Lebanese government is completely blocked, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said in statements published yesterday, adding that he hopes that French President Emmanuel Macron will be able to provide assistance in his upcoming visit.

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister, Hassan Diab, has declined to be questioned by the judge who charged him and three former ministers with negligence over the Beirut port blast, an official source said on Monday.

Investigating magistrate Fadi Sawan has been criticised for bringing charges by influential parties including the Shi’ite group Hezbollah and Sunni leader Saad al-Hariri.

BEIRUT (Reuters) -Lebanon’s investigating judge has charged caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab and three former ministers with negligence over the Beirut port blast that killed 200 people and ruined a swathe of the capital in August.

The others are former finance minister Ali Hassan Khalil, as well as former public works ministers Ghazi Zeaiter and Youssef Finianos, state news agency NNA said on Thursday.

05 Dec 2020; MEMO:  Lebanon's Hezbollah announced on Friday that it is suing those who accuse it of being responsible for the massive explosion in the Port of Beirut four months ago, news agencies reported.

Speaking to journalists before the Justice Palace in Beirut, Hezbollah's MP Ibrahim Mousawi announced: "There are news websites that step up to accuse Hezbollah of being responsible for the Beirut Port explosion… All of these claims are false as they lack evidence… They are cheap and shameful."

BEIRUT, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun said that Lebanon does not mind resorting to international arbitration if the country fails to reach a fair agreement with Israel on maritime border demarcation, al-Akhbar local newspaper reported on Saturday.

The indirect talks between Lebanon and Israel started on Oct. 14.

The next round of indirect negotiations between Lebanon and Israel over the maritime border demarcation has been postponed following Israel's rejection of Lebanon's demands. 

04 Dec 2020; MEMO:  Lebanese President Michel Aoun signed Law No. 196 on Thursday to grant financial compensation to the families of the victims of the Port of Beirut explosion.

The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) stated on Thursday that the legislation stipulates that those who were disabled due to injuries from the explosion shall also receive healthcare insurance from the National Social Security Fund and benefit from the provisions of the law on persons with disabilities.

04 Dec 2020; MEMO:  Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the delay in the new government formation considering the massive crises facing the country.

Berri stressed that the issue is not related to external obstructions, but rather internal disputes over the file.

03 Dec 2020; MEMO:  Lebanese President Michel Aoun expressed on Wednesday that the difficulties of the demarcation of maritime borders with Israel can be solved.

His remarks came during a meeting at the presidential palace with head of the US delegation, Ambassador John Deroche, mediating in indirect negotiations to demarcate southern maritime borders.