Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai (R) receives MP Marwan Hamadeh (L) in Bkirki, Lebanon, January 27, 2023. (Credit: NNA)
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and former minister Marwan Hamadeh on Friday separately called for the swift formation of an international commission of inquiry into the deadly Aug. 4, 2020, Beirut port explosion, the state-run National News Agency reported.
Their call comes amid heightened street tensions following a decision by Lebanon's top public prosecutor, Ghassan Oueidat, to release all suspects detained in the investigation and to prosecute the lead investigating judge, Tarek Bitar.
Hamadeh, who is close to Walid Joumblatt and is a member of his Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) parliamentary group, spoke from Bkirki, where he met with the Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai.
Geagea spoke during a meeting with US Ambassador to Lebanon, Dorothy Shea, also calling for an international investigation.
"The PSP has always called for the formation of an international commission of inquiry because we know that not even the best judge in Lebanon can afford to put himself and his family in danger," Hamadeh said.
The former minister and current MP denounced "an impossible and obstructed investigation" on this subject, adding: "I experienced it personally, as well as all the martyrs of the Cedar Revolution," in reference to the 2005 movement that witnessed a series of political assassinations and ultimately led to Syrian troops' departure from Lebanon.
"The investigation is now obstructed by those whose responsibility will be proven by the investigation ... What we witnessed yesterday in front of the Palace of Justice and the behavior towards the MPs is unacceptable," Hamadeh said.
On Thursday, a demonstration organized by the victims' relatives and activists in front of the Beirut Palace of Justice degenerated into clashes with the police, who used batons and tear gas on protesters.
At least eight people were injured and several opposition MPs present at the protest were assaulted by bodyguards of the caretaker Justice Minister, Henri Khoury.
On the same subject, Geagea denounced "the process of obstruction of the investigation, which is now clear."
While receiving Ambassador Shea in Meerab, the headquarters of The Lebanese Forces (LF), Geagea said "the latest developments require that we fully support the continuation of the investigation through the immediate formation of an international commission of inquiry, to help reveal the truth about this crime and restore the proper functioning of justice."
Turning to the presidential file, Geagea said that "we must now cut off the obstructionists by attending open parliamentary sessions until someone is elected."
Two MPs, Najat Aoun Saliba and Melhem Khalaf, have been staging a sit-in in Parliament since Jan. 19. to demand the election of a president.
For his part, Hamadeh praised the merits of the Lebanese Army's commander-in-chief, General Joseph Aoun, whose name is circulating among potential presidential candidates.
"It is clear that someone wants to sideline the head of the army!" Hamadeh said, without clarifying who he was referring to. "The commander-in-chief of the army is someone who works with dedication ... The ones who perform good deeds are targeted."
Some press reports claimed that caretaker Defense Minister Maurice Slim intends to dismiss the army's commander-in-chief, news that Slim denied on Friday.
Hamadeh also said that Druze leader Walid Joumblatt put a list of presidential candidates on the table during his last meeting with Hezbollah.
"Joumblatt proposed names that would help get out of this great conflict dispute that prevents 65 votes from being garnered," Hamadeh said.
"I think that 65 votes are not enough because the Lebanese president must be elected with a support force thanks to which he can form a serious government, and restore the institutions."