BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s president says he was told nearly three weeks ago about the massive stockpile of explosive chemicals stored at Beirut’s port and immediately ordered action taken. But he says he has no authority over the facility. President Michel Aoun said several governments in charge since 2013 received repeated warning about the material. Aoun’s comments were the most senior confirmation that top leaders and security officials in Lebanon where aware of the 2,750 tons of highly explosive ammonium nitrate that had been stored at a waterfront warehouse at the port since it was confiscated from an impounded cargo ship in 2013.
