Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

BREAKING: Macron Arrives in Beirut


Mon 31 Aug 2020 | 08:33 PM
Yassmine Elsayed

Moments ago, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beirut for his second visit to Lebanon after the massive blast which hit the city port in August 4th, and killed 190 and displaced hundreds of families.

Macron was received by President Michel Aoun and newly appointed Prime Minister-designate Mostafa Adib at the airport.

[caption id="attachment_146553" align="aligncenter" width="354"]Macron with Aoun upon arriving today in Beirut Macron with Aoun upon arriving today in Beirut[/caption]

"I tell the Lebanese that you are brothers of the French. As I promised you, I am returning to Beirut to review developments regarding emergency aid and to work together to create the necessary conditions for reconstruction and stability," Macron said in tweet just after he landed.

"So President, it's been a busy day, hasn't it," Macron told Aoun as he welcomed him. The French president, talking to reporters, called for a speedy government formation.

Macron is set to start his visit by meeting with iconic Lebanese singer Fairouz, over coffee, at her home. He is also scheduled to meet with former Prime Minister Saad Hariri later in the evening.

Hours ago, Adib, 48, was officially assigned to form the new government in Lebanon amid acute political and economic crisis.