BEIRUT: Lebanon's premier Hassan Diab stepped down Monday amid fury within and outside his government over the deadly Beirut port blast he blamed on the incompetence and corruption of a decades-old ruling class.

"Today we are heeding the people and their demands to hold accountable those responsible for a disaster that has been concealed for seven years" he said in a televised address, blaming a "corrupt" political elite for the August 4 explosion. "This is why today I announce the resignation of the government." Politics in multi-confessional Lebanon is dominated by former warlords from the 1975-1990 civil war who have exchanged their military fatigues for suits, or were replaced by relatives. "Their corruption created this tragedy," said Diab. "Between us and change stands a thick wall protected by their dirty tactics," he added.

Diab, who was named in December, is the second Lebanese premier to step down in 10 months.