France says failure to probe Beirut blast 'unacceptable'

France lambasts Lebanese authorities for failing to uncover the causes of a massive explosion that killed more than 200 people and ravaged swaths of Beirut six months ago.

As families of the victims mark half a year since the deadly August 4 port blast, French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo calls for speedy action.

“Six months after the explosion, it is unacceptable that the Lebanese people should still be waiting for answers from its leaders,” she said in a statement.

One of the largest non-nuclear blasts in history was caused by a vast stock of highly explosive ammonium nitrate that had sat for years in a port warehouse, a stone’s throw from residential districts.