Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hassan Diab said today that he is stepping down from his job as the entire government quits in the wake of the Beirut port explosion that has triggered public fury and mass protests.
Prime Minister Hassan Diab, who took office last year in December, was already under pressure for the lack of progress in resolving the country’s poor economic situation. Last week’s explosion in Beirut, intensified accusations of corruption, incompetence, negligence against the political elite.
In his address on Monday evening, Diab spoke of “a system of corruption” that was rooted in the state. “Rather, corruption is greater than the state, and it is not possible to confront this system or get rid of corruption.”
He said that the blast was “one of the examples of corruption in Beirut” and that the scale of the tragedy was “too great to describe.”
Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun accepted Diab’s resignation on Monday and asked the government to stay on in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet was formed.
Canada continues to stand with the people of Lebanon as they begin to rebuild their lives and their city in the wake of the tragic explosion in Beirut.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Canada is providing an additional $25 million, for a total of $30 million, in assistance for the people of Lebanon following the explosion. This funding will help trusted partners address immediate humanitarian needs and support efforts for early recovery. The Government of Canada will also continue to match donations from Canadians through the Lebanon Matching Fund, up to a new expanded maximum of $5 million.
Support announced today adds to the $5 million in humanitarian assistance that Canada provided for Lebanon last week, including an initial $1.5 million given immediately to trusted humanitarian organizations such as the Lebanese Red Cross. Canada’s contributions will help to support emergency medical services and provide shelter, food, and other essential items for people impacted by the blast.
“I join Canadians across the country to mourn those who were lost in last Tuesday’s tragic explosion in Beirut, and to offer sincere condolences to their families and friends as they grieve this tragedy. I also encourage Canadians to donate to the Lebanon Matching Fund, and we will continue to match your generous donations. Together, we can support the people of Lebanon as they work to heal and rebuild.” The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Canada and Lebanon have a close and longstanding friendship through our people-to-people ties. Canada is home to hundreds of thousands of Lebanese Canadians, who contribute to our communities across the country, every day.
The Canadian Government will continue to monitor this tragic situation, and work closely with the international community and humanitarian partners to identify how Canada can continue to support the people of Lebanon and respond to their urgent needs, stated a news released from the Prime Minister’s office.
Quick Facts
- Canadians interested in supporting humanitarian action on the ground in Beirut through the Lebanon Matching Fund can donate to the Humanitarian Coalition or one of its members by August 24, 2020.
- Canada’s Humanitarian Coalition brings together leading humanitarian organizations to provide Canadians with a simple and effective way to help during international humanitarian disasters.
- Canadians in Lebanon who need emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada in Beirut at 961 (4) 726-700 or berut-cs@international.gc.ca or contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre at +1 613-996-8885 or sos@international.gc.ca.
Source: Agencies, PM Office | Cover Photo: Ali Chehade / Shutterstock.com
