Emmanuel Macron at donor conference: "The future of Lebanon is at stake"

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French head of state Emmanuel Macron visits Lebanon

At the start of a donor conference for Lebanon, French President Emmanuel Macron called for rapid aid for the country. "We have to act quickly and efficiently so that this help arrives where it is needed," said Macron in the opening speech of a video conference that he is organizing together with the United Nations. "Lebanon's future is at stake."

One must find an international response coordinated by the United Nations and stand by the Lebanese people. Financial commitments are just the beginning.

According to the latest figures, 158 people were killed and more than 6,000 injured in a severe explosion at the port of Lebanon's capital Beirut on Tuesday. Many Lebanese people blame the government and authorities for the disaster and have expressed this in protests, some of which are violent, which they want to continue today. Lebanon is in its biggest economic crisis to date. The situation in the country has worsened due to the corona crisis and the explosion.

"Several schools were destroyed"

According to Macron, medical aid, food and the rapid reconstruction of schools and hospitals are needed. "Several schools were destroyed," said Macron, according to a recording on the news channel BFMTV.

According to the Elysée Palace, representatives from at least 36 states and organizations attended, including US President Donald Trump. Macron greeted Trump personally in the switch. Germany was represented by Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD). Maas has already announced another ten million euros in emergency aid from Germany for Lebanon.

mfh / dpa / Reuters