Linking Georgia to the massive explosion in Beirut is baseless, according to Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia.
The body says that ammonium nitrate has been exported from Georgia to the global market for years, and the importing country must assume its storing related responsibilities.
Additionally, this product was sent in 2013, while its storing related incident occurred in 2020. Plus, authorities in Beirut explained that the explosion in the port occurred due to the flagrant violation of storing rules of huge amounts of ammonium nitrate.
The substance in the amount of 2,750 tonnes, in the port of Beirut, was stored after ship Rhosus sailing under Moldova's flag was detained in Lebanon. The ship was transporting the ammonium nitrate from Georgia to Mocambique. After the detention, the ship owning company declared itself bankrupt and left its ship, crew, and goods in Beirut's port, in which the substance was stored eventually. The ship was owned by Russian businessman Igor Grechushnik. The incident took place in September of 2013.
The Agency says that the ports of Georgia are inspected annually, and once in 2 years, it is verified that they meet international safety standards, and they have been in line with these standards.
BBC reported yesterday that a large blast in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, has killed at least 27 people and injured more than 2,500 others, the health minister says.
It is not yet clear what caused the explosion in the port region. Videos posted online showed a column of smoke followed by a large mushroom cloud.
Hospitals are said to be overwhelmed, and many buildings have been destroyed.
Lebanon's internal security chief said the blast happened in an area housing highly explosive materials.
A BBC journalist at the scene reported dead bodies and severe damage, enough to put the port out of action.
The explosion comes at a sensitive time for Lebanon, with an economic crisis reigniting old divisions. Tensions are also high ahead of Friday's verdict in a trial over the killing of ex-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005.
The explosion left 300,000 citizens homeless. Damages amount to USD 3-5 billiard.
