President of the Lebanese Republic General Michel Aoun addressed on Tuesday the nation on the first anniversary of Beirut Port blast, stressing that he supports the judiciary to go all the way in the investigations into the case.
“On the eve of the painful anniversary of the Beirut port blast, I pay tribute to the soul of every martyr who fell in this tremendous tragedy, I sympathize with every wounded and injured, and with every person who has lost a dearly beloved or a relative, a house or a property, and I bow before the resilience of a nation, in front of which all misfortunes have gathered. From the bottom of my heart, I say to our beloved capital Beirut: the truth shall come out, and every culprit shall be duly punished and you shall rise again.”
“Last August 4, we were struck by an unprecedented earthquake in the history of Lebanon. The face of Beirut was in flames, many hearts were shattered and many innocent lives were lost. They should never have fallen if it weren’t for an accumulation of negligence and responsibilities throughout the years, at various levels, of officials who could have taken practical measures to eliminate the danger of the substances that led to this disaster.”
“The Judiciary must go all the way in investigation and trials. I am with it and by its side, till facts are unveiled and justice is served. When the head of the State puts himself at the disposal of justice to make his deposition, there is no excuse for anyone to grant themselves any immunity or arm themselves with any argument, be it legal or political, in order not to provide the investigation with all the required information to help it reach its goal.”
As I abide by the Constitution and respect the separation of powers, I see no reason that prevents the judicial investigator from interrogating anyone he deems useful for the probe, especially that a fair trial does not unjustly indict an innocent nor does it acquit a culprit, President Aoun added.
Regarding the cabinet formation, President Aoun indicated that he is striving, hand in hand with the Prime Minister-designate, according to the requirements of the Constitution, to overcome all the obstacles that hamper the formation of a salvation government which is capable, with the expertise, competence and integrity of its members, to implement the required and known reform program.
“You all feel – and I do too – that the economic and financial collapse of the past two years, with all its repercussions on livelihood, subsistence, social setting, psychological health and security, threatens of the collapse of the Lebanese State with all its components, institutions, role and existence. The explosion of the 4th of August has sharpened this feeling and added to its bitterness and painfulness.”
Let us hold on to our unity and open a new page that re-places Lebanon on the map of innovation, growth and competition, and restores to our youth their hope in their nation and the desire to stay in it, making it again the country of civilization, joy and creation, President Aoun concluded.
Source: NNA
