Beirut Explosion: Lebanon Government Resigns

Hassan Diab, the-now-former Prime Minister of Lebanon, as he stepped down from his post named “endemic corruption” for the cause of the massive explosion last week.

"Their corruption created this tragedy," he said. "Between us and change stands a thick wall protected by their dirty tactics."

On Monday, President Michel Aoun accepted Diab's resignation. The President also requested the cabinet to stay in a caretaker capacity before the establishment of a new government.

Mr. Diab then said that his caretaker administration would "follow the will of the people in their demand to hold accountable those responsible for the disaster".

"This crime" was a result of corruption that is "bigger than the state", Diab said in a TV statement, adding that he was taking "a step back" so he could stand with the people "and fight the battle for change alongside them".

The protests are not new to the small country of the Middle East: they started as early as October. The protesters since have been demanding acomplete change to the political system, criticizing the government for corruption and mismanagement.

By Nini Dakhundaridze

Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC

Image source: The New York Times