Lebanese security officials warned the prime minister and president last month that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in Beirut’s port posed a security risk and could destroy the capital if it exploded, according to documents seen by Reuters
BEIRUT - and senior security sources.
While the content of the letter was not in the report seen by Reuters, a senior security official said it summed up the findings of a judicial investigation launched in January which concluded the chemicals needed to be secured immediately. “I warned them that this could destroy Beirut if it exploded,” said the official, who was involved in writing the letter and declined to be named.The presidency did not respond to requests for comment about the July 20 letter.
Aoun confirmed last week that he had been informed about the material. He told reporters he had directed the secretary general of the Supreme Defence Council, an umbrella group of security and military agencies chaired by the president, to “do what is necessary”. The General Directorate of State Security’s report seen by Reuters said many requests had been submitted, without giving an exact number. It said the port’s manifest department sent several written requests to the customs directorate up until 2016 asking them to call on a judge to order the material be re-exported immediately.
Moldova lists the owner of the ship as Panama-based Briarwood Corp. Briarwood could not immediately be reached for comment. The report did not say why the army had refused to accept the cargo. A security official told Reuters it was because they didn’t need it. The army declined to comment.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Exclusive: Lebanon's leaders warned in July about explosives at port - documentsLebanese security officials warned the prime minister and president last month that 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored in Beirut's port posed a security risk and could destroy the capital if it exploded, according to documents seen by Reuters and senior security sources.
Weiterlesen »
Lebanon government to resign over Beirut blastPrime Minister Hassan Diab is expected to announce the government's resignation shortly following a cabinet meeting in which all the lawmakers reportedly tendered their resignations over the devastating explosion in the capital.
Weiterlesen »
Lebanon justice minister resigns, citing Beirut port blastLebanese Justice Minister Marie Claude Najm said in a statement on Monday she had presented her resignation from the government, citing the catastrophic explosion at the port of Beirut.
Weiterlesen »
Lebanon in desperate need of reform after Beirut explosion: ANALYSISTimelapse shows the scale of protests as thousands took to the streets of Beirut following a deadly blast that rocked the Lebanese capital.
Weiterlesen »
Build 'free and strong' coexistence after blast, Pope Francis tells LebanesePope Francis urged the people of Lebanon on Sunday to work together in the wake of the devastating port blast to give birth to a new 'free and strong' coexistence.
Weiterlesen »
After the devastating explosion, Lebanon’s prime minister quitsBut his departure may do little to shake up the corrupt political system that caused the disaster
Weiterlesen »