Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has&nbsp;accused Lebanon of changing its position in talks on their disputed maritime border and warned it could lead to a "dead end" that would be damaging for the whole region.

The two countries, which remain technically at war, opened negotiations on the border dispute under US and UN auspices last month to clear the way for offshore oil and gas exploration.

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"Lebanon has changed its stance on its maritime border with Israel seven times," Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz tweeted late Thursday.

"Its current position contradicts not only its previous one but also Lebanon's stance on its maritime border with Syria, which takes into account Lebanese islands close to the border," Steinitz said.

Earlier on Thursday, Lebanese President Michel Aoun had set out his country's position on the maritime border, which he said should be "based on the line that departs on land from the point of Ras Naqoura".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-and-israel-to-hold-un-mediated-talks-on-disputed-borders-331745">Lebanon and Israel to hold UN-mediated talks on disputed borders</a>

The demarcation should be "according to the general principle known as the median line, without taking into account any impact of the occupied Palestinian coastal islands," Aoun tweeted, referring to the Israeli coastline.

Israel and&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;launched the negotiations last month with delegations from the long-time foes convening at a UN&nbsp;base to try to agree on the border that has held up hydrocarbon exploration in the potentially gas-rich area.

A presidency statement said Aoun instructed the Lebanese team that the demarcation line should start from the land point of Ras Naqoura as defined under a 1923 agreement and extend seaward in a trajectory that a security source said extends the disputed area to some 2,300 square km (888 sq miles) from around 860 sq km.

Israel's energy minister, overseeing the talks with&nbsp;Lebanon, said&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;had now changed its position seven times and was contradicting its own assertions.

"Whoever wants prosperity in our region and seeks to safely develop natural resources must adhere to the principle of stability and settle the dispute along the lines that were submitted by Israel and&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;at the United Nations," Yuval Steinitz said.

Any deviation, Steinitz said, would lead to a "dead end".

Last month sources said the two sides presented contrasting maps for proposed borders. They said the Lebanese proposal extended farther south than the border&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;had years before presented to the United Nations and that of the Israeli team pushed the boundary farther north than Israel's original position.

The talks, the culmination of three years of diplomacy by Washington, are due to resume in December.

Israel pumps gas from huge offshore fields but&nbsp;Lebanon, which has yet to find commercial gas reserves in its own waters, is desperate for cash from foreign donors as it faces the worst economic crisis since its 1975-1990 civil war.

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has accused Lebanon of changing its position in talks on their disputed maritime border and warned it could lead to a "dead end" that would be damaging for the whole region.

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has accused Lebanon of changing its position in talks on their disputed maritime border and warned it could lead to a "dead end" that would be damaging for the whole region. The two countries, which remain technically at war, opened negotiations on the border dispute under US and UN auspices last month to clear the way for offshore oil and gas exploration. "Lebanon has changed its stance on its maritime border with Israel seven times," Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz tweeted late Thursday. "Its current position contradicts not only its previous one but also Lebanon's stance on its maritime border with Syria, which takes into account Lebanese islands close to the border," Steinitz said. Earlier on Thursday, Lebanese President Michel Aoun had set out his country's position on the maritime border, which he said should be "based on the line that departs on land from the point of Ras Naqoura". Also read: Lebanon and Israel to hold UN-mediated talks on disputed borders The demarcation should be "according to the general principle known as the median line, without taking into account any impact of the occupied Palestinian coastal islands," Aoun tweeted, referring to the Israeli coastline. Israel and Lebanon launched the negotiations last month with delegations from the long-time foes convening at a UN base to try to agree on the border that has held up hydrocarbon exploration in the potentially gas-rich area. A presidency statement said Aoun instructed the Lebanese team that the demarcation line should start from the land point of Ras Naqoura as defined under a 1923 agreement and extend seaward in a trajectory that a security source said extends the disputed area to some 2,300 square km (888 sq miles) from around 860 sq km. Israel's energy minister, overseeing the talks with Lebanon, said Lebanon had now changed its position seven times and was contradicting its own assertions. "Whoever wants prosperity in our region and seeks to safely develop natural resources must adhere to the principle of stability and settle the dispute along the lines that were submitted by Israel and Lebanon at the United Nations," Yuval Steinitz said. Any deviation, Steinitz said, would lead to a "dead end". Last month sources said the two sides presented contrasting maps for proposed borders. They said the Lebanese proposal extended farther south than the border Lebanon had years before presented to the United Nations and that of the Israeli team pushed the boundary farther north than Israel's original position. The talks, the culmination of three years of diplomacy by Washington, are due to resume in December. Israel pumps gas from huge offshore fields but Lebanon, which has yet to find commercial gas reserves in its own waters, is desperate for cash from foreign donors as it faces the worst economic crisis since its 1975-1990 civil war.

'Dead end': Israel says Lebanon is changing stance on maritime border

The United States is planning to sanction prominent Lebanese Christian politician Gebran Bassil, head of the Free Patriotic Movement, which was founded by the president and is allied with Hezbollah, the Wall Street Journal reported late on Thursday.

U.S. President Donald Trump`s administration is expected on Friday to impose the sanctions on Bassil for assisting the Lebanese Shi`ite group Hezbollah, the newspaper reported, citing sources.

The U.S. Department of Treasury did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside regular working hours.

Bassil and his office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The United States deems Iranian-backed Hezbollah to be a terrorist group. It has sanctioned several Hezbollah members.

Bassil, the son-in-law of President Michel Aoun and head of FPM, Lebanon`s largest Christian political bloc, is also a former foreign minister.

In September, the United States blacklisted two former Lebanese government ministers it accused of enabling Hezbollah.

It accused a former transport minister, Yusuf Finyanus, and a former finance minister, Ali Hassan Khalil, of engaging in corruption and leveraging their political power for financial gain.

Well-armed Hezbollah has risen to become the overarching power in Lebanon, which is now grappling with a financial meltdown.

The United States is planning to sanction prominent Lebanese Christian politician Gebran Bassil, head of the Free Patriotic Movement, which was founded by the president and is allied with Hezbollah, the Wall Street Journal reported late on Thursday.

The United States is planning to sanction prominent Lebanese Christian politician Gebran Bassil, head of the Free Patriotic Movement, which was founded by the president and is allied with Hezbollah, the Wall Street Journal reported late on Thursday. U.S. President Donald Trump`s administration is expected on Friday to impose the sanctions on Bassil for assisting the Lebanese Shi`ite group Hezbollah, the newspaper reported, citing sources. The U.S. Department of Treasury did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside regular working hours. Bassil and his office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The United States deems Iranian-backed Hezbollah to be a terrorist group. It has sanctioned several Hezbollah members. Bassil, the son-in-law of President Michel Aoun and head of FPM, Lebanon`s largest Christian political bloc, is also a former foreign minister. In September, the United States blacklisted two former Lebanese government ministers it accused of enabling Hezbollah. It accused a former transport minister, Yusuf Finyanus, and a former finance minister, Ali Hassan Khalil, of engaging in corruption and leveraging their political power for financial gain. Well-armed Hezbollah has risen to become the overarching power in Lebanon, which is now grappling with a financial meltdown.

US to sanction leader of Lebanon's Free Patriotic Movement

Lebanon and Israel, still technically at war, wrapped up a second round of maritime border talks Thursday under UN and US auspices to allow for offshore energy exploration.

The delegations met for around four hours for a second day straight at a base of the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL in the Lebanese border town of Naqura, Lebanon's National News Agency and Israel's energy ministry said.

The talks have been shrouded in secrecy, with little information emerging about any progress being made.

"At the end it was determined that another round of talks will take place during the coming month," the Israeli energy ministry said.

A Lebanese source close to the negotiations said they would resume on November 11.

A first round of talks had been held on October 14, and the second had started on Wednesday.

After years of quiet US shuttle diplomacy, Lebanon and Israel this month said they had agreed to begin the negotiations in what Washington hailed as a "historic" agreement.

The announcement came weeks after Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates became the first Arab nations to establish relations with Israel since Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

But Lebanon has insisted the negotiations are purely technical and do not involve any political normalisation with Israel.

Lebanon, reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades, is hoping to settle the maritime border dispute so it can continue exploring for hydrocarbon reserves in the Mediterranean.

Exploration is on hold in an area off its coast named Block 9, as a section of it is located in an 860-square-kilometre (330-square-mile) area claimed by both Israel and Lebanon.

NNA said the Lebanese delegation carried with it "maps and documents showing the points of contention and the Israeli enemy infringing on the Lebanese right to include part of Block 9".

In February 2018, Lebanon signed its first contract for offshore drilling for oil and gas in Block 9 and Block 4 with a consortium comprising energy giants Total, ENI and Novatek.

Lebanon in April said initial drilling in Block 4 had shown traces of gas but no commercially viable reserves.

While the US-brokered talks look at the maritime border, a UNIFIL-sponsored track is also due to address outstanding land border disputes.

UNIFIL head Major General Stefano Del Col welcomed Tuesday what he called "a unique opportunity to make substantial progress on contentious issues along" the land frontier.

Lebanon and Israel, still technically at war, wrapped up a second round of maritime border talks Thursday under UN and US auspices to allow for offshore energy exploration.

Lebanon and Israel, still technically at war, wrapped up a second round of maritime border talks Thursday under UN and US auspices to allow for offshore energy exploration. The delegations met for around four hours for a second day straight at a base of the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL in the Lebanese border town of Naqura, Lebanon's National News Agency and Israel's energy ministry said. The talks have been shrouded in secrecy, with little information emerging about any progress being made. "At the end it was determined that another round of talks will take place during the coming month," the Israeli energy ministry said. A Lebanese source close to the negotiations said they would resume on November 11. A first round of talks had been held on October 14, and the second had started on Wednesday. After years of quiet US shuttle diplomacy, Lebanon and Israel this month said they had agreed to begin the negotiations in what Washington hailed as a "historic" agreement. The announcement came weeks after Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates became the first Arab nations to establish relations with Israel since Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. But Lebanon has insisted the negotiations are purely technical and do not involve any political normalisation with Israel. Lebanon, reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades, is hoping to settle the maritime border dispute so it can continue exploring for hydrocarbon reserves in the Mediterranean. Exploration is on hold in an area off its coast named Block 9, as a section of it is located in an 860-square-kilometre (330-square-mile) area claimed by both Israel and Lebanon. NNA said the Lebanese delegation carried with it "maps and documents showing the points of contention and the Israeli enemy infringing on the Lebanese right to include part of Block 9". In February 2018, Lebanon signed its first contract for offshore drilling for oil and gas in Block 9 and Block 4 with a consortium comprising energy giants Total, ENI and Novatek. Lebanon in April said initial drilling in Block 4 had shown traces of gas but no commercially viable reserves. While the US-brokered talks look at the maritime border, a UNIFIL-sponsored track is also due to address outstanding land border disputes. UNIFIL head Major General Stefano Del Col welcomed Tuesday what he called "a unique opportunity to make substantial progress on contentious issues along" the land frontier.

Lebanon, Israel end second round of maritime border talks

This week on the West Asia Post, we look at one year of anti-government protests in Lebanon as Ghadi Francis talks to one of the main voices of the revolution. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM, only on WION.

The West Asia Post; Episode 4

Hundreds have marched in Lebanon's capital to mark the first anniversary of a non-sectarian protest movement. Protesters light torch in front of blash-hit port.

Hundreds in Lebanon mark first anniversary of protest movement; Protesters light 'torch of revolution'

Lebanon marked the first anniversary on Saturday of a non-sectarian protest movement that has rocked the&nbsp;political elite but has yet to achieve its goal of sweeping reform.

A whirlwind of hope and despair has gripped the country in the year since protests began, with an economic crisis and a devastating August 4 port explosion pushing Lebanon deeper into decay.

Two governments have resigned since the movement started but the country's barons, many of them warlords from the 1975-90 civil war, remain firmly in power despite international as well as domestic pressure for change.&nbsp;

On Saturday, dozens of people brandishing placards and Lebanese flags gathered in Martyr's Square in the heart of Beirut.

The demonstrators plan to march towards the port -- the site of the devastating explosion, which has been widely blamed on the alleged corruption and incompetence of the hereditary elite.

There they will hold a candlelit vigil near ground zero at 6:07 pm (1507 GMT), the precise time when a huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate fertiliser exploded, killing more than 200 people and devastating swathes of the capital.

Activists have installed a metallic monument at the site to mark the anniversary of their October 17 "revolution".

"We still don't recognise" our leaders as legitimate, said one prominent protester, who gave her name only as Melissa.

"We are still on the street... standing together in the face of a corrupt government," the 42-year-old said.

- 'Harrowing year' -

The immediate trigger for last year's protests was a government move to tax Whatsapp calls, but they swiftly swelled into a nationwide movement demanding an end to the system of confessional power-sharing it says has tarnished pubic life.

The country's deepest economic downturn since the civil war has led to growing unemployment, poverty and hunger, pushing many to look for better opportunities abroad.&nbsp;

A spiralling coronavirus outbreak since February prompted a ban on public gatherings but even without protesters on the streets public resentment has grown.

The explosion at Beirut port served as a shocking reminder to many of the rot at the heart of their political system.&nbsp;

It prompted protesters to return to the streets in its aftermath but the movement then shifted most of its energy to relief operations to fill in for what it sees as an absent state.&nbsp;

The political class has since failed to form a new government that can meet the demands of the street and international donors who have refused to release desperately needed funds.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron who visited Lebanon twice in the aftermath of the port blast said Lebanon's ruling class had "betrayed" the people by failing to act swiftly and decisively.&nbsp;

The UN special coordinator too expressed frustration with the political class.

"The legitimate grievances and needs of the Lebanese have gone unheeded during a harrowing year" Jan Kubis said in a statement.

"All of that has further deepened the lack of trust of Lebanese in their leaders and country."

- 'Deeply ruined' -

President Michel Aoun will hold consultations with the main factions in parliament next week before designating a new prime minister for the third time in less than a year.

Saad Hariri, who bowed out in the face of the first protests last October, is expected to make a comeback in an appointment that activists are likely to reject.&nbsp;

Aoun on Saturday renewed his call for protest leaders to work with the state -- an appeal repeatedly rebuffed by activists.&nbsp;

"My hand is still extended to you for us to work together to achieve the reforms demanded," he said.&nbsp;

"Reform is not possible outside the institutions of the state and it's still not too late."&nbsp;

The protest movement has maintained a loose structure that some analysts believe could be an impediment.

"The lack of political programmes and leadership have made the process and progress rather daunting and difficult," said Jamil Mouawad, who teaches political science at the American University of Beirut.&nbsp;

But academic and former minister Tarek Mitri said that the success of a protest movement "can't be measured by what has been achieved in terms of political change, nor by its ability to generate new political elites, but rather by the promises that it continues to carry, amidst all the pain."

Lebanon marked the first anniversary on Saturday of a non-sectarian protest movement that has rocked the political elite but has yet to achieve its goal of sweeping reform.

Lebanon marked the first anniversary on Saturday of a non-sectarian protest movement that has rocked the political elite but has yet to achieve its goal of sweeping reform. A whirlwind of hope and despair has gripped the country in the year since protests began, with an economic crisis and a devastating August 4 port explosion pushing Lebanon deeper into decay. Two governments have resigned since the movement started but the country's barons, many of them warlords from the 1975-90 civil war, remain firmly in power despite international as well as domestic pressure for change. On Saturday, dozens of people brandishing placards and Lebanese flags gathered in Martyr's Square in the heart of Beirut. The demonstrators plan to march towards the port -- the site of the devastating explosion, which has been widely blamed on the alleged corruption and incompetence of the hereditary elite. There they will hold a candlelit vigil near ground zero at 6:07 pm (1507 GMT), the precise time when a huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate fertiliser exploded, killing more than 200 people and devastating swathes of the capital. Activists have installed a metallic monument at the site to mark the anniversary of their October 17 "revolution". "We still don't recognise" our leaders as legitimate, said one prominent protester, who gave her name only as Melissa. "We are still on the street... standing together in the face of a corrupt government," the 42-year-old said. - 'Harrowing year' - The immediate trigger for last year's protests was a government move to tax Whatsapp calls, but they swiftly swelled into a nationwide movement demanding an end to the system of confessional power-sharing it says has tarnished pubic life. The country's deepest economic downturn since the civil war has led to growing unemployment, poverty and hunger, pushing many to look for better opportunities abroad. A spiralling coronavirus outbreak since February prompted a ban on public gatherings but even without protesters on the streets public resentment has grown. The explosion at Beirut port served as a shocking reminder to many of the rot at the heart of their political system. It prompted protesters to return to the streets in its aftermath but the movement then shifted most of its energy to relief operations to fill in for what it sees as an absent state. The political class has since failed to form a new government that can meet the demands of the street and international donors who have refused to release desperately needed funds. French President Emmanuel Macron who visited Lebanon twice in the aftermath of the port blast said Lebanon's ruling class had "betrayed" the people by failing to act swiftly and decisively. The UN special coordinator too expressed frustration with the political class. "The legitimate grievances and needs of the Lebanese have gone unheeded during a harrowing year" Jan Kubis said in a statement. "All of that has further deepened the lack of trust of Lebanese in their leaders and country." - 'Deeply ruined' - President Michel Aoun will hold consultations with the main factions in parliament next week before designating a new prime minister for the third time in less than a year. Saad Hariri, who bowed out in the face of the first protests last October, is expected to make a comeback in an appointment that activists are likely to reject. Aoun on Saturday renewed his call for protest leaders to work with the state -- an appeal repeatedly rebuffed by activists. "My hand is still extended to you for us to work together to achieve the reforms demanded," he said. "Reform is not possible outside the institutions of the state and it's still not too late." The protest movement has maintained a loose structure that some analysts believe could be an impediment. "The lack of political programmes and leadership have made the process and progress rather daunting and difficult," said Jamil Mouawad, who teaches political science at the American University of Beirut. But academic and former minister Tarek Mitri said that the success of a protest movement "can't be measured by what has been achieved in terms of political change, nor by its ability to generate new political elites, but rather by the promises that it continues to carry, amidst all the pain."

Lebanon protest movement marks 'harrowing' first year

Long-time foes Lebanon and Israel met briefly on Wednesday for unprecedented talks on their disputed maritime border, but broke up after barely an hour and agreed to meet again in two weeks.

Your Story: Lebanon, Israel hold talks on disputed maritime border

Long-time foes Lebanon and Israel met briefly on Wednesday for unprecedented talks on their disputed maritime border, but broke up after barely an hour and agreed to meet again in two weeks.

The talks were mediated by the United States, which has pushed for negotiations to resolve the argument over potentially gas-rich Mediterranean waters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-trump-defying-mideast-truisms-produced-breakthroughs-and-backfires-334656">Also read|&nbsp;For Trump, defying Mideast truisms produced breakthroughs and backfires</a>

Two Lebanese military helicopters were seen bringing the Lebanese delegation to the meeting. The Lebanese team was expected to be led by a military officer, and the Israeli side by the director general of its energy ministry.

Agreement to hold the talks was announced weeks after the United States stepped up pressure on allies of Lebanon`s Iran-backed Hezbollah, imposing sanctions on senior politician from its main Shi`ite ally, the Amal party.

Hezbollah, which fought a month-long war with Israel in 2006, says the talks are not a sign of peace-making with its long-time enemy. Israel`s energy minister has also said expectations should be realistic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-lebanon-israel-border-conflict-an-exclusive-ground-report-from-the-blue-line-334491">Also read|&nbsp;The West Asia Post: Lebanon-Israel Border Conflict, An Exclusive Ground Report from the Blue Line</a>

The talks come after the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain agreed to establish full relations with Israel, under U.S.-brokered deals which realign some of Washington`s closest Middle East allies against Iran.

Wednesday`s meeting was hosted by the United Nations, which has monitored the land boundary since Israel withdrew from south Lebanon in 2000 and ended a 22-year occupation. The next talks will be held on Oct 28.

Hours before the first meeting, Hezbollah and Amal criticised the Lebanese delegation in its current form, calling for changing the team to ensure it includes only military officials.

Long-time foes Lebanon and Israel met briefly on Wednesday for unprecedented talks on their disputed maritime border, but broke up after barely an hour and agreed to meet again in two weeks. The talks were mediated by the United States, which has pushed for negotiations to resolve the argument over potentially gas-rich Mediterranean waters. Also read| For Trump, defying Mideast truisms produced breakthroughs and backfires Two Lebanese military helicopters were seen bringing the Lebanese delegation to the meeting. The Lebanese team was expected to be led by a military officer, and the Israeli side by the director general of its energy ministry. Agreement to hold the talks was announced weeks after the United States stepped up pressure on allies of Lebanon`s Iran-backed Hezbollah, imposing sanctions on senior politician from its main Shi`ite ally, the Amal party. Hezbollah, which fought a month-long war with Israel in 2006, says the talks are not a sign of peace-making with its long-time enemy. Israel`s energy minister has also said expectations should be realistic. Also read| The West Asia Post: Lebanon-Israel Border Conflict, An Exclusive Ground Report from the Blue Line The talks come after the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain agreed to establish full relations with Israel, under U.S.-brokered deals which realign some of Washington`s closest Middle East allies against Iran. Wednesday`s meeting was hosted by the United Nations, which has monitored the land boundary since Israel withdrew from south Lebanon in 2000 and ended a 22-year occupation. The next talks will be held on Oct 28. Hours before the first meeting, Hezbollah and Amal criticised the Lebanese delegation in its current form, calling for changing the team to ensure it includes only military officials.

Lebanon, Israel hold talks on disputed maritime border

Wildfires fuelled by high temperature ravage several regions of Syria, Lebanon & Turkey. The wildfires triggered by heatwaves hitting the region have killed at least 3 people and burned swaths of land.

Wildfires ravage parts of West Asia, forest fires claim at least 3 lives in Syria

Watch this week's West Asia Post as Ghadi Francis takes you to the heart of a border conflict between Israel and Lebanon. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM, only on WION.

The West Asia Post: Lebanon-Israel Border Conflict, An Exclusive Ground Report from the Blue Line

The people of Lebanon are preparing for a tough winter as Lebanon faces financial ruin amid a lack of aid and leadership. Watch report.

Lebanon faces economic crisis amid COVID-19 pandemic

Four people were killed and several more were wounded when a fuel tank exploded in a Beirut building on Friday, the Lebanese Red Cross said.

The explosion caused a large fire to break out in the building in the Tariq al-Jadida neighbourhood, a security source said.

One person was critically wounded, while several others were treated for smoke inhalation, the Red Cross and a hospital source said.

Four people were killed and several more were wounded when a fuel tank exploded in a Beirut building on Friday, the Lebanese Red Cross said. The explosion caused a large fire to break out in the building in the Tariq al-Jadida neighbourhood, a security source said.

Four people were killed and several more were wounded when a fuel tank exploded in a Beirut building on Friday, the Lebanese Red Cross said. The explosion caused a large fire to break out in the building in the Tariq al-Jadida neighbourhood, a security source said. One person was critically wounded, while several others were treated for smoke inhalation, the Red Cross and a hospital source said.

Explosion at fuel depot in Beirut kills four

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Lebanese economy was in crisis. For the migrant workers who had moved to Lebanon in search of a better life, things have become worse. Watch report.

Lebanon migrant workers: 'Kafala system' leads to exploitation

Lebanon's emergency services reeling from a devastating year. Firefighters in Lebanon complain for a diminishing fleet of cars.

Lebanon's emergency services reeling from a devastating year

Lebanon's emergency services are reeling from a devastating year, but are determined to press on.

Beirut firefighters bemoan budget cuts

Watch this week's West Asia Post as we talk about Lebanon's growing economic crisis with an exclusive ground report from Beirut. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM, only on WION.

The West Asia Post: Two years on, Khashoggi murder unresolved

The West Asia Post ; Episode 1

Lebanon has asked Interpol to issue arrest warrants for the Russian captain and owner of the ship that brought the explosive material that detonated at Beirut port in August, killing nearly 200 people, state media reported on Thursday.

About two months after the explosion that injured thousands and ravaged the Lebanese capital, questions remain about why and how the cargo was abandoned in Beirut.

Authorities have blamed it on the huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate, used for fertiliser but also for explosives, going up in flames after being stored in poor conditions at the port for years.

There have also been accusations of negligence against Lebanese authorities. Nearly 20 people have been detained in Lebanon after the blast including port and customs officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-army-finds-13-tonnes-of-fireworks-at-destroyed-beirut-port-328663">Also read:&nbsp;Lebanon army finds 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at destroyed Beirut port</a>

Lebanon’s public prosecution asked Interpol to issue warrants to detain the owner and captain, state news agency NNA said on Thursday, without naming them.

Boris Prokoshev was captain of the Rhosus ship when it arrived in Beirut in 2013, and he had identified Igor Grechushkin, a Russian businessman in Cyprus, as the owner. A security source and a judicial source said they were the two for whom Lebanon asked for arrest warrants on Thursday.

Russia’s national Interpol bureau declined to comment.

Grechushkin, 43, was questioned in Cyprus in August. Attempts by Reuters to reach Grechushkin were unsuccessful.

Cyprus police spokesman Christos Andreou said, regarding an Interpol request on Thursday: “We have not received such a request.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-artists-in-overdrive-to-restore-beiruts-beauty-331886">Also read:&nbsp;Lebanese artists in overdrive to restore Beirut's beauty</a>

Prokoshev, who is in Russia, said he had not heard anything about it and that he has not been contacted by investigators before.

He has told Reuters that 2,750 tonnes of the chemicals ended up in Beirut after the ship’s owner told him to divert to Beirut to pick up extra cargo in 2013. He has also said Lebanese authorities paid little attention to the ammonium nitrate, which had been stacked in the hull in large sacks.

The Rhosus had loaded ammonium nitrate in Georgia, shipping records show, before making the unscheduled stop in Lebanon.

But it never left, becoming tangled in a legal dispute over unpaid port fees and ship defects.

Beirut port authorities impounded the vessel after it arrived in late 2013 due to outstanding debts, according to a state security report which Reuters revealed in August. In 2014, the ship was deemed unseaworthy and its cargo was unloaded in October and warehoused in what was known as Hangar 12, the epicentre of the explosion.

The ship sank near the port’s breakwater in February 2018, the report said.

Lebanon has asked Interpol to issue arrest warrants for the Russian captain and owner of the ship that brought the explosive material that detonated at Beirut port in August, killing nearly 200 people, state media reported on Thursday.

Lebanon has asked Interpol to issue arrest warrants for the Russian captain and owner of the ship that brought the explosive material that detonated at Beirut port in August, killing nearly 200 people, state media reported on Thursday. About two months after the explosion that injured thousands and ravaged the Lebanese capital, questions remain about why and how the cargo was abandoned in Beirut. Authorities have blamed it on the huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate, used for fertiliser but also for explosives, going up in flames after being stored in poor conditions at the port for years. There have also been accusations of negligence against Lebanese authorities. Nearly 20 people have been detained in Lebanon after the blast including port and customs officials. Also read: Lebanon army finds 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at destroyed Beirut port Lebanon’s public prosecution asked Interpol to issue warrants to detain the owner and captain, state news agency NNA said on Thursday, without naming them. Boris Prokoshev was captain of the Rhosus ship when it arrived in Beirut in 2013, and he had identified Igor Grechushkin, a Russian businessman in Cyprus, as the owner. A security source and a judicial source said they were the two for whom Lebanon asked for arrest warrants on Thursday. Russia’s national Interpol bureau declined to comment. Grechushkin, 43, was questioned in Cyprus in August. Attempts by Reuters to reach Grechushkin were unsuccessful. Cyprus police spokesman Christos Andreou said, regarding an Interpol request on Thursday: “We have not received such a request.” Also read: Lebanese artists in overdrive to restore Beirut's beauty Prokoshev, who is in Russia, said he had not heard anything about it and that he has not been contacted by investigators before. He has told Reuters that 2,750 tonnes of the chemicals ended up in Beirut after the ship’s owner told him to divert to Beirut to pick up extra cargo in 2013. He has also said Lebanese authorities paid little attention to the ammonium nitrate, which had been stacked in the hull in large sacks. The Rhosus had loaded ammonium nitrate in Georgia, shipping records show, before making the unscheduled stop in Lebanon. But it never left, becoming tangled in a legal dispute over unpaid port fees and ship defects. Beirut port authorities impounded the vessel after it arrived in late 2013 due to outstanding debts, according to a state security report which Reuters revealed in August. In 2014, the ship was deemed unseaworthy and its cargo was unloaded in October and warehoused in what was known as Hangar 12, the epicentre of the explosion. The ship sank near the port’s breakwater in February 2018, the report said.

Lebanon asks Interpol to arrest Russian ship captain, owner over port explosion

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said that his country will hold UN-mediated talks with Israel over their disputed land and maritime borders.

Lebanon and Israel border dispute: First Israeli-Lebanese talks in 30 years | World News

Lebanon to hold talks with Israel on disputed border issue. The talks will be mediated by the United Nations on the disputed land and maritime borders.

Lebanon to hold talks with Israel on disputed border issue

French President Emmanuel Macron admonished Lebanon's leaders on Sunday for serving their own interests ahead of their country and vowed to push ahead with efforts to prevent chaos, but appeared to have no back up plan should his initiative fail.

French President Emmanuel Macron accuses Lebanese leaders of betrayal

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Top ten world news today: Govt formation in Lebanon, and more

Lebanese police have killed nine suspected members of the Islamic State group in the hunt for "terrorists" linked to several deadly attacks, including on soldiers, a security source said Sunday.

Saturday's operation came more than a month after the army and security forces launched a manhunt for suspects in the August 21 killing of two municipal policemen and the son of the mayor of the northern village of Kaftoun.

Police intelligence units raided a house in the northern region of Wadi Khaled where "suspects linked to the IS" jihadist group had been holed up, "killing all the terrorists inside", the Internal Security Forces (ISF) said in a statement.

The ISF statement said the "terrorist cell" was made up of more than 15 suspects. It added that three had been arrested in previous raids.

Following the August murders in Kaftoun, the army and police launched operations to track down the assailants.

On September 14, the army said four soldiers were killed while attempting to arrest suspected "terrorist" Khaled al-Tallawi at his north Lebanon home, though he was eventually shot dead.

Meanwhile, two Lebanese soldiers were killed overnight in an attack on an army post in the locality of Arman-Minyeh, also in the north of the country, the army said Sunday.

An attacker "riding a motorbike tried to enter the army post, and army members confronted him, killing him instantly", it added.

Wadi Khaled and the Arman-Miniyeh region are near second city Tripoli, which has been rocked by violence involving Islamists over the years, including as part of the fallout from the conflict in Syria.

(with inputs)

Lebanese police have killed nine suspected members of the Islamic State group in the hunt for "terrorists" linked to several deadly attacks, including on soldiers, a security source said Sunday.

Lebanese police have killed nine suspected members of the Islamic State group in the hunt for "terrorists" linked to several deadly attacks, including on soldiers, a security source said Sunday. Saturday's operation came more than a month after the army and security forces launched a manhunt for suspects in the August 21 killing of two municipal policemen and the son of the mayor of the northern village of Kaftoun. Police intelligence units raided a house in the northern region of Wadi Khaled where "suspects linked to the IS" jihadist group had been holed up, "killing all the terrorists inside", the Internal Security Forces (ISF) said in a statement. The ISF statement said the "terrorist cell" was made up of more than 15 suspects. It added that three had been arrested in previous raids. Following the August murders in Kaftoun, the army and police launched operations to track down the assailants. On September 14, the army said four soldiers were killed while attempting to arrest suspected "terrorist" Khaled al-Tallawi at his north Lebanon home, though he was eventually shot dead. Meanwhile, two Lebanese soldiers were killed overnight in an attack on an army post in the locality of Arman-Minyeh, also in the north of the country, the army said Sunday. An attacker "riding a motorbike tried to enter the army post, and army members confronted him, killing him instantly", it added. Wadi Khaled and the Arman-Miniyeh region are near second city Tripoli, which has been rocked by violence involving Islamists over the years, including as part of the fallout from the conflict in Syria. (with inputs)

Lebanon says nine IS-linked suspects killed in hunt for 'terrorists'

Lebanon's prime minister-designate Mustapha Adib recused himself from forming a new cabinet on Saturday as he struggled to get various factions together amid international pressure to form a government, over a month after the Beirut blasts.

Lebanon's PM-designate Mustapha Adib pulls out of government formation

French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a news conference on Sunday on the political situation in Lebanon, the French presidency said.

Lebanon’s prime minister-designate, Mustapha Adib, quit on Saturday after trying for almost a month to line up a non-partisan cabinet. This dealt a blow to a French plan aimed at rallying sectarian leaders to tackle the worst crisis since the nation’s 1975-1990 civil war.

Lebanon's last government resigned in the aftermath of a colossal blast in Beirut port on August 4 that killed more than 190 people, wounded thousands and ravaged swathes of the capital.

Since his nomination on August 31, Mustapha Adib has been under pressure to form a new cabinet as soon as possible to carry out the necessary reforms to unlock billions of dollars in foreign aid.

Adib, a little-known 48-year-old former ambassador, was named just hours before French President Emmanuel Macron made his second visit to the country since the August 4 blast, pressing for the speedy formation of a reformist government.

After the August 4 explosion, it emerged the Lebanese authorities had known about the huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate fertiliser that exploded on the dockside, but had not moved it.

The port blast has rekindled public anger against Lebanon's entrenched political elite, with protesters accusing politicians across the board of incompetence and corruption.

(with inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a news conference on Sunday on the political situation in Lebanon, the French presidency said. Lebanon’s prime minister-designate, Mustapha Adib, quit on Saturday after trying for almost a month to line up a non-partisan cabinet.

French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a news conference on Sunday on the political situation in Lebanon, the French presidency said. Lebanon’s prime minister-designate, Mustapha Adib, quit on Saturday after trying for almost a month to line up a non-partisan cabinet. This dealt a blow to a French plan aimed at rallying sectarian leaders to tackle the worst crisis since the nation’s 1975-1990 civil war. Lebanon's last government resigned in the aftermath of a colossal blast in Beirut port on August 4 that killed more than 190 people, wounded thousands and ravaged swathes of the capital. Since his nomination on August 31, Mustapha Adib has been under pressure to form a new cabinet as soon as possible to carry out the necessary reforms to unlock billions of dollars in foreign aid. Adib, a little-known 48-year-old former ambassador, was named just hours before French President Emmanuel Macron made his second visit to the country since the August 4 blast, pressing for the speedy formation of a reformist government. After the August 4 explosion, it emerged the Lebanese authorities had known about the huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate fertiliser that exploded on the dockside, but had not moved it. The port blast has rekindled public anger against Lebanon's entrenched political elite, with protesters accusing politicians across the board of incompetence and corruption. (with inputs from agencies)

French president to address situation in Lebanon on September 27

&nbsp;An arms depot of the Iran-backed Hezbollah exploded in southern&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;on Tuesday, a security source said, injuring several people and sending a new shockwave across a nation grappling with its deepest crisis in three decades.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/country-will-go-to-hell-unless-cabinet-formed-warns-lebanon-president-aoun-329360">Also read: Country will go 'to hell' unless cabinet formed, warns Lebanon President Aoun</a>

The security source said the arms depot blast, which sent a huge column of black smoke into the sky, was caused by a "technical error".

The explosion rocked the village of Ain Qana in south&nbsp;Lebanon, a region that is a political stronghold of the heavily armed and politically powerful group which has fought wars with neighbouring Israel.

The blast has further rattled a nation grappling with its worst crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war and still reeling from a devastating explosion at Beirut port that ripped through the capital, killing at least 190 people.

Since the Beirut blast on Aug. 4, subsequent fires at the port and elsewhere in the capital have caused panic in Beirut and across the country, whose economy is in meltdown while politicians have yet to agree on how to form a new government.

The previous government resigned after Beirut blast and is acting in a caretaker capacity. Forming the new cabinet has hit a logjam as Hezbollah and its main Shi'ite ally have demanded they name the finance and some other ministers.

Another security source said Hezbollah had set up a security cordon around Tuesday's blast site, about 50 km (30 miles) south of Beirut. Journalists were prevented from approaching the area.

There was no immediate statement from Hezbollah. The group's television channel Al Manar said in a news broadcast that the cause of the blast was still not clear.

Security sources said there were several injuries without giving figures.

A witness near the village said they felt the ground shake.

Footage from the area broadcast by Al-Jadeed showed men walking over scorched ground littered with debris. Damage was shown in an adjacent house where the floor was covered in glass and what appeared to be a pool of blood.

At least one fire was still burning in the location, the footage showed.

An arms depot of the Iran-backed Hezbollah exploded in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, a security source said, injuring several people and sending a new shockwave across a nation grappling with its deepest crisis in three decades.

An arms depot of the Iran-backed Hezbollah exploded in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, a security source said, injuring several people and sending a new shockwave across a nation grappling with its deepest crisis in three decades. Also read: Country will go 'to hell' unless cabinet formed, warns Lebanon President Aoun The security source said the arms depot blast, which sent a huge column of black smoke into the sky, was caused by a "technical error". The explosion rocked the village of Ain Qana in south Lebanon, a region that is a political stronghold of the heavily armed and politically powerful group which has fought wars with neighbouring Israel. The blast has further rattled a nation grappling with its worst crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war and still reeling from a devastating explosion at Beirut port that ripped through the capital, killing at least 190 people. Since the Beirut blast on Aug. 4, subsequent fires at the port and elsewhere in the capital have caused panic in Beirut and across the country, whose economy is in meltdown while politicians have yet to agree on how to form a new government. The previous government resigned after Beirut blast and is acting in a caretaker capacity. Forming the new cabinet has hit a logjam as Hezbollah and its main Shi'ite ally have demanded they name the finance and some other ministers. Another security source said Hezbollah had set up a security cordon around Tuesday's blast site, about 50 km (30 miles) south of Beirut. Journalists were prevented from approaching the area. There was no immediate statement from Hezbollah. The group's television channel Al Manar said in a news broadcast that the cause of the blast was still not clear. Security sources said there were several injuries without giving figures. A witness near the village said they felt the ground shake. Footage from the area broadcast by Al-Jadeed showed men walking over scorched ground littered with debris. Damage was shown in an adjacent house where the floor was covered in glass and what appeared to be a pool of blood. At least one fire was still burning in the location, the footage showed.

Arms depot of Hezbollah explodes in Lebanon, several injured

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun warned&nbsp;that the country was headed to "hell" if a new cabinet is not appointed quickly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-army-finds-13-tonnes-of-fireworks-at-destroyed-beirut-port-328663">Also Read:&nbsp;Lebanon army finds 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at destroyed Beirut port</a>

In a televised address to the nation, Aoun said: "With the entrenchment of positions, no solution seems imminent", and added&nbsp;later that a "miracle" could help in a political breakthrough.

Lebanon's prime minister-designate Mustapha Adib has been pressing hard to strike a deal to form the cabinet. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier given Lebanon's leaders a two-week deadline to form a government which passed last week. &nbsp;

Lebanon's capital Beirut was hit by a deadly blast last month in which at least 180 people were killed and several hundred injured amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Macron had travelled to Beirut in the aftermath of the blasts and had called for political reforms amid the chaos as residents welcomed him and openly discussed the issues related to the country.

US secretary Mike Pompeo had said earlier that, "Business as usual in Lebanon just is unacceptable", while adding, "This has to be a government that conducts significant reforms."

"I am counting on everyone's cooperation to form a government whose task will be to implement what was agreed upon with President Macron," Adib had said earlier.

Another fire had hit the Beirut's commercial district earlier in the month amid recovery efforts from the August 4 blasts. Fire trucks quickly moved to put out the flames. &nbsp;

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun warned that the country was headed to "hell" if a new cabinet is not appointed quickly. Also Read: Lebanon army finds 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at destroyed Beirut port In a televised address to the nation, Aoun said: "With the entrenchment of positions, no solution seems imminent", and added later that a "miracle" could help in a political breakthrough.

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun warned that the country was headed to "hell" if a new cabinet is not appointed quickly. Also Read: Lebanon army finds 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at destroyed Beirut port In a televised address to the nation, Aoun said: "With the entrenchment of positions, no solution seems imminent", and added later that a "miracle" could help in a political breakthrough. Lebanon's prime minister-designate Mustapha Adib has been pressing hard to strike a deal to form the cabinet. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier given Lebanon's leaders a two-week deadline to form a government which passed last week. Lebanon's capital Beirut was hit by a deadly blast last month in which at least 180 people were killed and several hundred injured amid the coronavirus pandemic. Macron had travelled to Beirut in the aftermath of the blasts and had called for political reforms amid the chaos as residents welcomed him and openly discussed the issues related to the country. US secretary Mike Pompeo had said earlier that, "Business as usual in Lebanon just is unacceptable", while adding, "This has to be a government that conducts significant reforms." "I am counting on everyone's cooperation to form a government whose task will be to implement what was agreed upon with President Macron," Adib had said earlier. Another fire had hit the Beirut's commercial district earlier in the month amid recovery efforts from the August 4 blasts. Fire trucks quickly moved to put out the flames.

Country will go 'to hell' unless cabinet formed, warns Lebanon President Aoun

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Just more than a month ago, Beirut was struck by a catastrophe. The blasts at Beirut port were a body blow to Lebanon already cursed by violence. Many blamed Hezbollah for the blasts that were caused by huge stock of Ammonium Nitrate, a highly flammable chemical.

A report in the month of August claimed that the ship that got the supply to Beirut port was owned by a man with links to Hezbollah's bank.

The blast unleashed public anger against the Hezbollah. However, another revelation could make it worse

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The United States has accused the Hezbollah of storing caches of weapons and ammonium nitrate across Europe. The Americans say these supplies are being stored to conduct future attacks under the influence of Iran.&nbsp;

US State Department's counter-terrorism co-ordinator is raising an alarm. He says that the Hezbollah weapons caches have been moved through Belgium to France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. More caches of Ammonium Nitrate were discovered or destroyed in France, Italy and Greece.

Also Read | <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-sanctions-lebanese-companies-for-allegedly-funnelling-millions-to-hezbollah-328240">US sanctions Lebanese companies for allegedly funnelling millions to Hezbollah</a> 
 
The US is of the view that Hezbollah hasn't stopped its activities with the blasts in Beirut. The investigation is still on.

Almost 3000 tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate was stored at the port for six years. The explosion in the month of August was felt in Turkey, Syria, Israel Palestine and parts of Europe.

It was one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history. The Hezbollah is said to have a sizeable influence in the running of the port.

After the Beirut blasts, Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his entire cabinet resigned.

But the people are still angry.

A senior Hezbollah leader gave an interview to WION and refused to take any responsibility. However, just making statements will not help the Hezbollah.

The group, that entered politics through militancy seems to have lost the support of the public. Hezbollah may have sizeable political power, but it is now accused of protecting a corrupt political class. With the US now stepping up the heat, Lebanon seems to be slipping out of the hands of Hezbollah.

Just more than a month ago, Beirut was struck by a catastrophe. The blasts at Beirut port were a body blow to Lebanon already cursed by violence. Many blamed Hezbollah for the blasts that were caused by huge stock of Ammonium Nitrate, a highly flammable chemical.

Just more than a month ago, Beirut was struck by a catastrophe. The blasts at Beirut port were a body blow to Lebanon already cursed by violence. Many blamed Hezbollah for the blasts that were caused by huge stock of Ammonium Nitrate, a highly flammable chemical. A report in the month of August claimed that the ship that got the supply to Beirut port was owned by a man with links to Hezbollah's bank. The blast unleashed public anger against the Hezbollah. However, another revelation could make it worse × The United States has accused the Hezbollah of storing caches of weapons and ammonium nitrate across Europe. The Americans say these supplies are being stored to conduct future attacks under the influence of Iran. US State Department's counter-terrorism co-ordinator is raising an alarm. He says that the Hezbollah weapons caches have been moved through Belgium to France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. More caches of Ammonium Nitrate were discovered or destroyed in France, Italy and Greece. Also Read | US sanctions Lebanese companies for allegedly funnelling millions to Hezbollah The US is of the view that Hezbollah hasn't stopped its activities with the blasts in Beirut. The investigation is still on. Almost 3000 tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate was stored at the port for six years. The explosion in the month of August was felt in Turkey, Syria, Israel Palestine and parts of Europe. It was one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history. The Hezbollah is said to have a sizeable influence in the running of the port. After the Beirut blasts, Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his entire cabinet resigned. But the people are still angry. A senior Hezbollah leader gave an interview to WION and refused to take any responsibility. However, just making statements will not help the Hezbollah. The group, that entered politics through militancy seems to have lost the support of the public. Hezbollah may have sizeable political power, but it is now accused of protecting a corrupt political class. With the US now stepping up the heat, Lebanon seems to be slipping out of the hands of Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has stashed Ammonium Nitrate across Europe, says US

Lebanon army said that it found 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at Beirut port devasted by the huge blast that took place in August. The blast was blamed on large quantity of chemicals stored in poor condition.&nbsp;

Lebanese army released a statement on its website on Friday and said that 1320 kgs of fireworks were found in 120 boxes. Army engineers disposed of them.

Beirut Port was devastated in a huge blast on August 4. More than 2 thousand tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate went up in flames and caused a blast that killed at least 190 people and injured more than 6000 people. The Lebanese army said on September 3 that it found an additional 4 .35 tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate near the entrance to the port.

'No evidence' of Hezbollah storing Ammonium Nitrate in France

France's foreign ministry on Friday said there was no evidence to suggest the armed wing of Lebanon's Hezbollah was storing chemicals to make explosives in France after a senior U.S. official said the group had set up caches in Europe since 2012.

Speaking on Thursday, Nathan Sales, the U.S. State Department's coordinator for counterterrorism, accused the Iran-backed group of smuggling and storing chemicals, including ammonium nitrate, from Belgium to France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.

"It stores these weapons in places so it can conduct major terrorist attacks whenever its masters in Tehran deem necessary," Sales said in a briefing without elaborating or providing evidence of the activities.

"To our knowledge, there is nothing tangible to confirm such an allegation in France today," foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll told reporters in response to Sales' allegations.

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

Lebanon army said that it found 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at Beirut port devasted by the huge blast that took place in August. The blast was blamed on large quantity of chemicals stored in poor condition.

Lebanon army said that it found 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at Beirut port devasted by the huge blast that took place in August. The blast was blamed on large quantity of chemicals stored in poor condition. Lebanese army released a statement on its website on Friday and said that 1320 kgs of fireworks were found in 120 boxes. Army engineers disposed of them. Beirut Port was devastated in a huge blast on August 4. More than 2 thousand tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate went up in flames and caused a blast that killed at least 190 people and injured more than 6000 people. The Lebanese army said on September 3 that it found an additional 4 .35 tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate near the entrance to the port. 'No evidence' of Hezbollah storing Ammonium Nitrate in France France's foreign ministry on Friday said there was no evidence to suggest the armed wing of Lebanon's Hezbollah was storing chemicals to make explosives in France after a senior U.S. official said the group had set up caches in Europe since 2012. Speaking on Thursday, Nathan Sales, the U.S. State Department's coordinator for counterterrorism, accused the Iran-backed group of smuggling and storing chemicals, including ammonium nitrate, from Belgium to France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. "It stores these weapons in places so it can conduct major terrorist attacks whenever its masters in Tehran deem necessary," Sales said in a briefing without elaborating or providing evidence of the activities. "To our knowledge, there is nothing tangible to confirm such an allegation in France today," foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll told reporters in response to Sales' allegations. (With Reuters inputs)

Lebanon army finds 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at destroyed Beirut port

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