Putin Suggests 'Profits' Dispute behind Keeping Nitrates at Beirut Port

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that disagreements over who should make financial gains had been the reason behind keeping the huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate at Beirut port for seven years before it eventually exploded in August 2020.

"Years ago they brought the ammonium (nitrate) substance to this (Beirut) port, and according to what I understood, they wanted to sell it for a profitable price," Putin said at a press conference in response to a reporter's question. He did not specify who he was referring to.

"But the desire to achieve profits faced several contradictions related to who wanted to benefit from those profits," the Russian leader added.

"I think this is what this tragedy was related to," he went on to say.

As for Lebanon's request for satellite images from several nations, Putin said: "As for the investigations, I don't understand how we can offer help, or how the satellite images can help. Yes, we have them, and I will make inquiries. If they are of any use, of course we will provide these images."

"We must first ask our colleagues if they need these images," he added.

Asked about the latest incidents in Lebanon, Putin said Hizbullah is "considered to be an important political force" in the country.

"We always call for resolving any crisis in Lebanon through dialogue," he said.

"We are in contact with all political forces in Lebanon and we will continue this communication to prevent any bloodshed which would be in no one's interest," he added.

"We will exert utmost effort to convince all political forces in Lebanon to remain rational and engage in dialogue," Putin went on to say.