FBI Will Send Forces To Participate In Investigating The Explosion In Beirut At The Request Of Lebanese Officials

 

The US deputy foreign minister said Lebanon had invited the FBI to participate in the investigation and that the US diplomat arrived in Lebanon on August 13.

On August 13, US Deputy Secretary of State in charge of political affairs David Hale said that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will join Lebanon and international investigators in the investigation of the explosion in the capital. Beirut last week left at least 172 people dead.

Speaking to the press when visiting the scene of the explosion, Mr. Hale said the FBI's participation in the investigation stemmed from the request of Lebanese officials.

According to a statement from the US State Department, during his meeting with Lebanese leaders:

"Mr. Hale will emphasize the urgency in fundamental economic, financial and governance reforms, ending corruption, providing credibility and transparency, and broadening the government's governance through the authorities.”

In addition, Mr. Hale will reaffirm America's commitment to supporting Lebanon.

To date, humanitarian assistance has poured in from all over Lebanon. However, many countries insist that they will not provide capital support to pull Lebanon out of the economic crisis if it does not implement the necessary reforms, according to Reuters.

The resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab's entire government this week has exacerbated the unrest here.

Related developments, the administration of Mr. Diab has been in dialogue with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to discuss the economic bailout package. This bailout package has been stalled due to some internal disagreement over the extent of the financial losses Lebanon is facing.