France 24: Macron pledges help for Beirut as Lebanese rage against rulers
French President Emmanuel Macron visited shell-shocked Beirut on Thursday, pledging support and urging change after a massive explosion devastated the Lebanese capital in a disaster that has sparked grief and fury. Follow the day's events as they unfolded on our liveblog.
Macron was the first foreign head of state to make the trip after two explosions rocked Beirut on Tuesday, killing scores, injuring thousands and inflicting billions of euros in damage.
The French leader pledged the support of Lebanon's former colonial power and urged reform, telling crowds that he was not planning to write a blank cheque to the country's discredited regime.
Read more ....
More News On French President Emmanuel Macron's Visit To Beirut
In devastated Beirut, French leader offers comfort and a hug -- AP
On Beirut visit, Macron says aid to go 'directly to the people', relief groups -- France 24
Macron promises angry Beirut crowds aid won't go to "corrupt hands" -- Reuters
Macron visits Beirut in aftermath of devastating blast -- Euronews
Beirut explosion: Macron calls for 'deep change' in Lebanon after blast -- BBC
‘Without reforms, Lebanon will continue to suffer,’ says Macron in Beirut -- France 24
After deadly blast, Beirut residents look to Macron for relief -- Al Jazeera
44,000 sign petition for France to take control of Lebanon -- DW
