Lebanon's prime minister says he is stepping down from his job in the wake of the Beirut port explosion last week that triggered public fury and mass protests.
In a brief televised speech, Prime Minister Hassan Diab said on Monday that he is taking a step back so he can stand with the people and fight the battle for change alongside them.
He said: I declare today the resignation of this government. May God protect Lebanon, repeating the last phrase three times.
A brief while earlier, Diab's Cabinet resigned. The developments follow a weekend of anti-government protests in the wake of the Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut's port that caused widespread destruction, killed at least 160 people and injured about 6,000 others.
Diab blamed corrupt politicians who preceded him for the earthquake that has hit Lebanon.
They (political class) should have been ashamed of themselves because their corruption is what has led to this disaster that had been hidden for seven years, he added.
First Published: Aug 10, 2020 10:50 PM IST
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Stampede-like situation disrupts Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav's joint rally in Uttar Pradesh
May 19, 2024 4:26 PM
Ladakh Lok Sabha election: With Independent candidate's entry, it's now a 3-way contest for BJP and Congress
May 19, 2024 4:01 PM