UN says no Beirut blast inquiry request, after Macron call for probe

Edited by Ed Newman
2020-08-08 17:22:23

Pinterest
Telegram
Linkedin
WhatsApp

United Nations, August 8 (RHC)-- The United Nations has not received any requests to investigate the deadly explosion in Beirut's port, a UN spokesman said after French President Emmanuel Macron called for an international inquiry.

Initial Lebanese probes have pointed to an ammonium nitrate cargo, which was abandoned in Beirut, as the source of the blast.  During a visit to Beirut on Thursday, Macron said that a transparent international inquiry was needed.

"We would be willing to consider such a request if we were to receive one.  Nothing like that has been received, however," UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres could also establish an inquiry if mandated by a UN legislative body such as the 193-member General Assembly or the 15-member Security Council.



Commentaries


MAKE A COMMENT
All fields required
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED
captcha challenge
up