Yesterday, the Lebanese government tried to absorb the anger provoked by the sinking of the “death boat” near the shore of the city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon; An extraordinary session was held under the chairmanship of President Michel Aoun, in the presence of Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the ministers, and assigned the military judiciary to investigate the accident, while there are still conflicting numbers regarding the number of passengers and victims.
While the accusations were directed at a naval force from the Lebanese army that was trying to return the boat that was sailing illegally to shore, the army commander who attended the session with the director of intelligence and the commander of the navy, directed harsh criticism at those who took advantage of the boat incident, including politicians and officials, for political and electoral goals. They accused the army of setting up the incident and drowning the women and children while the army was trying to rescue them. He stressed the need to maintain the morale of the soldiers; Because it is essential and necessary in light of the current circumstances and the many tasks required of them.
The government asked the army leadership to conduct a transparent investigation into the circumstances and circumstances of the accident under the supervision of the competent judiciary, and asked the army to intensify search and rescue efforts for the missing in cooperation with the International Emergency Forces (UNIFIL), as well as the ministries of foreign affairs and expatriates and national defense to communicate with international bodies to help secure equipment. And the mechanisms needed to float the sunken boat.
Asharq Al-Awsat learned that Mikati left Lebanon following the cabinet session, heading to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.
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