(ANSAMed) - BEIRUT, AUGUST 04 - The president of the Republic of Lebanon Michel Aoun today thanked the international community for the financial aid promised during the new international donors' conference, but also urged foreign countries "not to abandon Lebanon" in a phase in which the country is facing the "devastating consequences" of the crisis and one year after the explosion of the port of Beirut.
Speaking on video conference during the conference convened by France and the UN, Aoun said he "hopes for the formation of a government that can implement the necessary reforms, prepare the next legislative elections and, in parallel, build trust with our international partners, and lead the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund ".
Quoted by the Beirut media, Aoun also called on the international community to provide "humanitarian, social and health assistance" to the Lebanese and continue to support the Lebanese army and security forces.
The Lebanese head of state also asked for international aid to "completely rehabilitate the port of Beirut, defined as a vital artery of the Lebanese economy". "Lebanon is counting on you, don't let it down!" Aoun concluded in his speech. (ANSAMed).