"It is for the president to say that France is there", explains the Elysee. Two days after the violent explosions that ravaged the Lebanese capital, Emmanuel Macron is expected in Beirut. He is due to land around 11 a.m. French time (noon in Lebanon) and will be greeted by his counterpart, Michel Aoun. He will then go directly to the port.
The President of the Republic will visit the site of the disaster, will meet with the main Lebanese officials, politicians and "representatives of civil movements" and will give a press conference around 6.30pm local before returning to France.
Emmanuel Macron wants to "deny that Lebanon", also affected by a political and economic crisis, "is alone, sunk, close to disappearing", argues the Elysee. "He believes in Lebanon," adds the same source.
"This trip is also an opportunity to lay the clear foundations of a contract for the restoration of Lebanon, demanding for all, which limits conflicts, offers immediate relief and opens up a longer-term perspective", specifies the Elysee.
At least 137 dead
"So far the death toll is over 137 dead and more than 5,000 wounded," said the spokesperson for the Lebanese Ministry of Health. She specifies that a new assessment could be announced during the day, because dozens of people are still missing.
For the moment, a French victim is to be deplored. This is the architect Jean-Marc Bonfils, as announced by Roselyne Bachelot, the Minister of Culture, in a tweet.
French architect Jean-Marc Bonfils died in the terrible disaster in Beirut. I pay tribute to his major work, such as the restoration of heritage buildings destroyed by the war in Lebanon. France and Lebanon are united in the grief of his death.
- Roselyne Bachelot (@R_Bachelot) August 5, 202024 French people were injured, including three seriously, according to France Info, relaying information from the Quai d'Orsay.
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The explosions also caused extensive material damage and nearly 300,000 Beirutis are currently homeless.
