BEIRUT/PARIS, Aug 6 (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron offered France's support for the Lebanese people on Thursday on a visit to Beirut following a huge warehouse blast, but said crisis-hit Lebanon would 'continue to sink' unless its leaders carry out reforms. Macron was the first foreign leader to visit the Lebanese capital since the explosion on Tuesday that killed at least 145 people.
epa08587220 A handout photo made available by the Lebanese government official photographer Dalati and Nohra showing French President Emmanuel Macron meeting with his Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun , upon his arrival accompanying French aid to Lebanon following a massive explosion at port two days earlier, at Beirut Airport, Beirut, Lebanon, 06 August 2020.
After landing in Beirut, Macron said France’s solidarity with the Lebanese people was unconditional, but said he wanted to tell some “home truths” to political figures. “We can’t do without telling each other some home truths,” he added. “If reforms are not carried out, Lebanon will continue to sink.”Lebanese officials have blamed the disaster on a huge stockpile of a highly explosive material stored for years in unsafe conditions at Beirut port.
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