The UAE affirms its solidarity and support for the Lebanese people
The start of consultations to assign a new Lebanese prime minister to street anger
The explosion destroyed 6000 buildings in Beirut. A.F.B.
The UAE renewed its support for the Lebanese people in the virtual briefing session at the United Nations on the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, while political consultations were launched yesterday at several levels with the aim of reaching the nomination of a new prime minister in Lebanon after the resignation of Hassan Diab's government, against the backdrop of widespread anger in the street as a result of The Beirut Port explosion, which left 163 dead and about 6000 injured, and destroyed about 6000 buildings.
No demonstrations were recorded in Lebanon celebrating the resignation, while the demonstrators continued to demand the fall of the entire political class. The formation of governments in Lebanon often takes weeks or even months. Hilal Khashan, a professor of political science at the American University of Beirut, said "There will be no government for long months," warning that "Lebanon stands at a painful crossroads."
It is not known whether the scale of the disaster and its consequences, and the subsequent sympathy and international support and appeals to accelerate the taking of steps that will comfort the people, may push the political parties this time to assume their responsibilities before their citizens.
In the Lebanese street, the resignation of the government had no effect. After the announcement, the demonstrators went to downtown Beirut, insisting that the "political system" accused of "corruption and failure" should be held fully accountable after the port disaster.
Yesterday, the Lebanese army announced the formation of an emergency room that includes representatives of the relevant ministries, Beirut Governorate, the High Relief Commission, the Red Cross and the Civil Defense, to coordinate relief efforts.
The removal of rubble continues from several neighborhoods in the capital, with individual initiatives and non-governmental organizations. Individuals and associations also provide assistance to the residents, whose homes were displaced by the explosion, about 300,000 of them.
On the level of international solidarity, the United Arab Emirates renewed its support for the Lebanese people in a virtual briefing session on the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, following the tragic explosion that occurred in Beirut on the fourth of August.
The Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d'Affairs to the State’s Mission to the United Nations, Amira Al-Hafiti, began her speech by saying: “Our hearts are with the Lebanese people, where their steadfastness was legendary, and it is clear that we are at a stage where international support became necessary.”
She referred to the UAE's cooperation and partnership with the United Nations to deliver aid to Lebanon, as the country joined the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies immediately after the explosion to send 30 tons of surgical tools, trauma treatment and other medical supplies to Lebanon from Dubai. Which includes one of the largest supply and logistics centers of the United Nations.
She pointed out that the UAE has sent two additional flights carrying 51 tons, and is preparing to send more aid under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the General Women's Union, Chair of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation "Mother of the Emirates".
Al-Hafiti expressed her appreciation for the commitment of the United Nations staff and their efforts in the field response and the mobilization of aid, including their hard work in holding a conference hosted by the French capital, Paris, last Sunday, through visual communication of donors in order to support Lebanon.
She added, "The UAE will continue to partner and coordinate with the United Nations and humanitarian organizations, and we in the state stand with the people of Lebanon in their recovery from this tragedy."
It is worth noting that the briefing was conducted via video communication technology in the presence of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, during which updated information was provided on the humanitarian situation in Lebanon and the approach taken by the United Nations and its partners from other humanitarian organizations in responding to the medical, food and economic crisis resulting from the explosion.
The briefing was attended by the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Algeria and Iraq.
On the other hand, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said yesterday, "His country is ready to stand by the brotherly Lebanese people, and has confidence in its ability to overcome the crisis and face the challenges posed by the port bombing."
"There are accumulations that have caused a lot of suffering and challenge, and it is necessary to work on the special priorities of the Lebanese people and the reconstruction," the National News Agency quoted Shukry as saying, after his meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun in Baabda Palace in Beirut. In a related context, Ayman Safadi, the Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs, affirmed yesterday that Lebanon will not be alone in facing the repercussions of the Beirut port explosion. After his meeting with the Lebanese President at Baabda Palace, he said, "Lebanon's affliction is ours, and I have conveyed this message to the President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun."
• The Lebanese Army announces the formation of an emergency room to coordinate relief efforts ... and continues to remove rubble.