Lebanon: Consultations to name new premier on Monday

By Wassim Seifeddine

BEIRUT (AA) - Lebanon’s president will conduct consultations with parliamentary blocs on Monday to name a new prime minister, the country's presidency said on Friday.

On Aug. 10, Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced the resignation of his government, following the Beirut port explosion.

The resignation was accepted by President Michel Aoun who assigned Diab as a caretaker prime minister.

On Aug.4, a powerful explosion rocked Beirut after a neglected stockpile of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate ignited in a warehouse, killing more than 170 people and injuring over 6,000 others.

The blast flattened nearby buildings and caused extensive property damage leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.

It came at a time when Lebanon was dealing with a severe financial crisis along with the coronavirus pandemic.

The blast has led to violent demonstrations that have continued despite the resignation of Diab and his government.