Beirut, Aug 15 (IANS) Foreign Ministers of the European Union (EU) have urged the Lebanese government to address the economic and social crisis in the wake of the August 4 Port of Beirut explosions.
In a video conference urgently called by Josep Borrell, EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, the Ministers on Friday demanded the Lebanese authorities rebuild trust and reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund about financial support, reports Xinhua news agency.
They considered it essential to “have a capable, representative and accountable Lebanese government that delivers on a credible reform agenda, including good governance, accountability and transparency”, according to a statement issued after the meeting.
The Ministers also called for an independent and credible investigation of the blasts, which left at least 171 dead and thousands more injured and displaced.
The 27-member bloc has offered an initial aid worth 33 million euros ($39 million), and pledged an additional amount of 30 million euros to address the urgent needs.
Over 250 rescuers from EU members have been deployed on the ground in Lebanon.
–IANS
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