EU, Member States urge accountability in Beirut port blast case

On the second anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, the European Union and its Member States extended their "sympathy and thoughts to families who lost their loved ones on that tragic day, as well as to all those who were impacted."

"We also reiterate our solidarity with the residents of Beirut and the people of Lebanon, and our commitment to continue our support in response to the explosion, alongside civil society actors, who have played a critical role in these efforts," they said in a statement.

After two years, those affected by the explosion are "entitled to accountability," the statement added.

"Therefore, we reaffirm the need for the investigation into the explosion to continue in an unimpeded way and free from political interference. The investigation must be impartial, credible, transparent and independent. It must deliver results without further delays, in order to bring to light the causes of the tragedy and hold those responsible accountable," it said.

It also stressed that the EU and its Member States stand "ready to continue supporting the Lebanese as neighbors, friends, and partners."