Lebanese PM Diab steps down in the wake of Beirut port explosion last week that triggered public fury and mass protests
An image grab obtained from Lebanon's public television network Tele Liban on August 10, 2020 shows Prime Minister Hassan Diab announcing his government's resignation amid popular outrage over the deadly Beirut port explosion.
He said: "I declare today the resignation of this government. May God protect Lebanon," repeating the last phrase three times.Diab blamed corrupt politicians who preceded him for the "earthquake" that has hit Lebanon. Protests were planned outside the government headquarters to coincide with the Cabinet meeting on Monday after large demonstrations over the weekend turned into clashes with security forces firing tear gas at protesters.It is unsure whether the government's dissolution will give the protesters the clean slate they demand as it is still unclear how many of the current cabinet members are set to assume caretaker roles.
The material had been stored at the port since 2013 with few safeguards despite numerous warnings of the danger it posed. Lebanon is plagued with a financial crisis that has seen the country enter talks with the International Monetary Fund in May after it defaulted on its foreign currency debt. Those talks were put on hold in the absence of reforms.
Iran meanwhile has expressed concern that Western countries and their allies might exploit anger over the explosion to pursue their political interests. Iran supports the Hezbollah militant group, which along with its allies dominates the government and parliament.
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