皇冠体育app

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

One year ago, Beirut was devastated by one of the largest ever non-nuclear explosions.

And today, we remember those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and those whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed.

Now, from the outset, the British government called on Lebanon鈥檚 leaders to urgently and transparently investigate the blast and to hold to account those responsible.

One year later, we are no closer to justice.

皇冠体育app Lebanese people deserve better.

Lebanon鈥檚 caretaker government must deliver on its promise.

皇冠体育app investigation should conclude swiftly and transparently.

皇冠体育appre must be full accountability.

And those responsible for any criminal wrongdoing should face justice.

皇冠体育app international community stands with the people of Lebanon.

皇冠体育app UK was one of the biggest donors after the blast.

We helped the Lebanese Red Cross expand its first responder network.

We provided counselling and rehabilitation to over 1,500 people who suffered trauma or physical harm.

And we supported the most vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian refugees with 拢20 million of funding to meet their basic needs in the aftermath of the blast.

Surveys by the Royal Navy ensured the port was brought quickly back into action.

Now, looking forward, we will continue to help the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces maintain their operational capability in order to counter terrorism and other forms of instability.

We will continue to help the most vulnerable in order to meet their basic needs.

And we will invest in Lebanon鈥檚 future, promoting governance reform and more inclusive politics.

To truly address the root causes of Lebanon鈥檚 crisis, its leaders must act.

Of course, that includes the new PM-designate, Najib Mikati.

Lebanon鈥檚 leaders must deliver transparency and accountability for the victims of that terrible blast.

皇冠体育appy must hold timely elections.

But action cannot just wait for those elections to happen.

皇冠体育app cost of delay would be itself a humanitarian crisis.

We need to see a capable government in place immediately, and essential reforms being properly implemented.

皇冠体育app international community stands ready to assist if the Lebanese politicians follow this path.

But if they fail, Lebanon鈥檚 friends must look at how we can tackle the corruption that has seen narrow vested interests placed above the needs of the people.

And that鈥檚 our commitment.

We stood with the Lebanese people a year ago.

We continue to stand with them today as they strive for the future that they deserve.

Thank you.