Visiting Beirut on Thursday August 6, French President Emmanuel Macron called on Lebanese leaders at a press conference for a " profound change " to bring their country out of the political and economic deadlock, aggravated by the deadly double explosion that occurred Tuesday in the port of the capital.
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" It is the time of responsibility today for Lebanon and for its leaders ", declared the Head of State during a press conference after his talks with the main Lebanese officials from all sides. He called for a “ refoundation of a new political order ”, and took the opportunity to announce an aid conference for Lebanon “ in the next few days ”.
" In the next few days, we will organize an international conference of support and support for Beirut and the Lebanese population ", he declared at a press conference, in order to mobilize " international funding, Europeans, Americans, all countries in the region and beyond, to provide medicine, care, food ”.
The Head of State also called for an international investigation into the facts which led to the terrible tragedy.
"I cannot take the place of the government!"
“ I cannot take the place of the government, ” he admitted, however, while answering the many questions, mostly hostile to the government, that were addressed to him. " Who should I meet?" ”He replied to an angry journalist. “ You elected them, you Lebanese people. You ask me to be a protestor! "" My role is to help the people, "said the French president. “ Do not ask France not to respect this sovereignty. I would have no complacency but I would have no interference. "
Moreover, Emmanuel Macron also announced the arrival in Lebanon next Thursday of the Tonnerre amphibious helicopter carrier which will bring medicines, caregivers and equipment after the deadly explosions on Tuesday which left at least 137 dead and 5,000 injured.