France 'Deeply Concerned' by Lebanon Unrest, Urges 'De-Escalation'
France on Thursday expressed concern over the deadly unrest that erupted in Lebanon over the investigation into last year's Beirut port blast and urged all parties to calm the situation.
"France is deeply concerned over the recent hindering of the smooth running of the investigation... and the violence that has occurred in this context. France calls on all parties to bring about a de-escalation," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
According to the authorities, at least six people were killed in clashes on Thursday and 32 were injured, all of them by gunfire.
The clashes erupted after a demonstration organized by Hizbullah and Amal Movement against the lead investigator into the blast turned violent.
Judge Tarek Bitar has in recent days been in the sights of Hizbullah and Amal, particularly for insisting on subpoenaing top officials in his probe.
The French statement said that the "Lebanese judiciary must be able to work independently and impartially within the framework of this investigation, without hindrance, and with the full support of the Lebanese authorities."
"The Lebanese people are waiting for full light to be shed on the port explosion. They have a right to the truth."
The explosion on August 4, 2020, killed more than 200 people and destroyed large swathes of the capital.
Source: Agence France Presse
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