EU says ending impunity essential for Lebanon's recovery

On the fifth anniversary of the devastating explosion at the Port of Beirut on 4 August 2020, the European Union and its Member States have reiterated their solidarity with the families of the victims and with those whose lives, homes, and livelihoods were tragically impacted by the explosion.

“We welcome the steps taken in recent months that have enabled progress in the investigation, in line with the Cabinet’s ministerial statement. We call upon the relevant authorities to make sure the conditions are in place so the investigation can be concluded in a thorough, impartial, and transparent way, so the families of the victims and the Lebanese people may receive the justice and accountability they deserve,” the EU and its Member States said in a statement.

“Ending impunity is essential for Lebanon’s recovery, and this requires an independent and empowered judiciary free from political interference. We hope that the Law on the Independence of the Judiciary that has just been adopted, will achieve that objective,” they added.

The European Union and its Member States also affirmed that they “continue to stand by Lebanon and its people and to support its stability, sovereignty, and quest for peace and development.”