Mike Pompeo offers US assistance to Beirut

The United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Wednesday offered US assistance to Beirut, following the massive explosion that rocked the country.

Pompeo disclosed this during a phone conversation with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hassan Diab.

“our steadfast commitment to assist the Lebanese people as they cope with the aftermath of this terrifying event,” Pompeo said.

“Our solidarity with and support for the Lebanese people as they strive for the dignity, prosperity and security they deserve,” he added.

Lebanese officials have not described the explosions which killed more than 100 people as an attack, with Diab pinning the blame on the storage of a massive amount of explosives in a portside warehouse.

Pompeo, however, did not explain how the United States would help Lebanon, which was already in a deep economic crisis and seeking more than $20 billion in external funding.

The United States has been hesitant about supporting an aid package from the International Monetary Fund, insisting on reforms and the exclusion of Hezbollah.

Source: News Agency