By Elishya Perera
BEIRUT, Lebanon (CWBN)_Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister Hassan Diab slammed the move to charge him over the Beirut explosion, claiming that he did his utmost duty during his brief tenure.
During an interview with the Associated Press, Diab called the move “diabolical”, and insisted that the trial judge must go through to question him further.
It is reported that charges have been filed against Diab and three former ministers this month, accusing them of negligence that led to the death of hundreds of people.
However, Diab and other ministers had previously refused to appear before the judge for questioning, alleging that the charges were politically motivated. Nevertheless, Diab says now that he has been charged, the judge should present in Parliament any evidence that incriminates him, and question him further.
The catastrophic explosion in the port of Beirut on August 4 was caused when a large stockpile of ammonium nitrate ignited. It is reported that the chemicals were stored in the port for six years, with the knowledge of senior security officials, the army command, the President and former prime ministers.
The blast, which destroyed large parts of the capital Beirut, killed more than 200 people and wounded thousands.
Nevertheless, Diab says that he first found out about the stockpile of chemicals from an adviser who had heard about it at an informal dinner on June 3. Subsequently, he had requested for further details noting that it took more than a month and a half to complete a detailed file on the matter. He said that he received the first official letter on this regard on July 22, and had immediately acted on it, scheduling a visit to the port. However, he cancelled the visit after being told that the stored chemicals were fertilisers, Diab added.
It is noteworthy that although ammonium nitrate is predominantly used in agriculture as a high-nitrogen fertiliser, it is known to be highly explosive when it decomposes.
Moreover, Diab has inquired why he has been singled out among former prime ministers who had spent more years in office. “I respect the judicial system but I also respect the constitution, which is above all. And as such, if you want to charge me, send your files to the parliament and I can be charged there,” he said.
Diab also claims that an FBI investigation into the explosion found it was caused by 500 tonnes of ammonium nitrate. And since the stockpile at the port was estimated to be 2750 tonnes, Diab questions, “Where did the rest go?”
Diab was named prime minister a year ago, but resigned after the explosion in August this year. Nevertheless, he remains in his post in a caretaker capacity, as Lebanese officials have failed to agree on a new Cabinet.
