Macron pledges aid to Lebanon in Beirut visit

Beirut, Aug 6 (efe-epa).- French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday vowed to send logistic and medical help to Lebanon during a visit to Beirut’s port where a powerful explosion killed 137 people and injured more than 5,000.

“My message is a message of brotherhood, love and friendship from France to Lebanon and we seek to secure international aid for the Lebanese people,” Macron told the press at the airport where he was received by his Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun.

“A French airplane will arrive carrying aid and an investigation team soon,” the French leader, who held a brief meeting with Aoun at the airport before heading to the port, announced.

“We know that the crisis in Lebanon is great and it is political and ethical, above all, and its victim is the Lebanese people,” he added.

“I will meet with civil society and the priority is to support the Lebanese people without conditions.”

Marcon visited the port which was severely hit by an explosion on Tuesday that was powered by 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, according to the government.

It generated a huge blast wave that damaged thousands of buildings, leaving 10,000s without a home.

Local authorities have estimated the financial cost of the blast is between $3 billion and $5 billion.

The government declared three days of national mourning on Wednesday and a state of emergency in Beirut for a renewable period of 14 days under the supervision of the army, which has been tasked with maintaining order.

Human Rights Watch has called for an independent investigation into the explosion.