'Israel wants to help Lebanon,' Macron tells donor conference

The French president tells world powers during a video-link conference that Israel 'signaled it is willing to help' Lebanon following the port explosion in Beirut, which killed 158 people; 'I guarantee you, this aid will not go to corrupt hands,' says Macron
Reuters|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Israel is prepared to help Lebanon following a massive blast devastated their capital Beirut last week, French President Emmanuel Macron told an emergency donors conference on Sunday.
  • Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter

  • Macron co-organized the video-link conference of world powers, which Israel is not attending, to help Lebanon's debt-laden economy, which was reeling from the coronavirus pandemic before the port explosion on Tuesday, which killed 158 people. But foreign governments are wary about writing blank cheques to a government perceived by its own people to be deeply corrupt.
    4 View gallery
    נשיא צרפת עמנואל מקרון ביירות עם תושבים אחרי אסון ה פיצוץ ב נמל
    נשיא צרפת עמנואל מקרון ביירות עם תושבים אחרי אסון ה פיצוץ ב נמל
    French President Emmanuel Macron visits Beirut
    (Photo: AFP)
    In opening remarks Macron said the international response should be coordinated by the United Nations in Lebanon.
    "Our task today is to act swiftly and efficiently, to coordinate our aid on the ground so that this aid goes as quickly as possible to the Lebanese people," Macron said via video-link from his summer retreat on the French Riviera.
    The president said the offer of assistance included support for an impartial, credible and independent inquiry into the Aug. 4 blast, which has prompted some Lebanese to call for a revolt to topple their political leaders.
    The explosion gutted entire neighbourhoods, leaving 250,000 people homeless, razing businesses and destroying critical grain supplies.
    4 View gallery
    הריסות  פיצוץ נמל ביירות לבנון
    הריסות  פיצוץ נמל ביירות לבנון
    The damage from the blast in Beirut
    (Photo: AFP)
    Rebuilding Beirut will likely run into the billions of dollars. Economists forecast the blast could wipe up to 25% off of the country's GDP.
    Many Lebanese are angry at the government's response and say the disaster highlighted the negligence of a corrupt political elite. Protesters stormed government ministries in Beirut and trashed the offices of the Association of Lebanese Banks on Saturday.
    TRUMP: "EVERYONE WANTS TO HELP"
    Macron visited Beirut on Thursday, the first world leader to do so after the explosion, and promised humanitarian aid would come but that profound political reform was needed to resolve the country's problems and secure longer term support.
    4 View gallery
    הריסות  פיצוץ נמל ביירות לבנון
    הריסות  פיצוץ נמל ביירות לבנון
    The area of the explosion in Beirut
    (Photo: AFP)
    "I guarantee you, this (reconstruction) aid will not go to corrupt hands," Macron told the throngs who greeted him.
    There has been an outpouring of sympathy for Lebanon from around the world this week and many countries have sent immediate humanitarian support such as a medical supplies, but there has been an absence of financial aid commitments so far.
    Macron said the international community had a duty to help, adding that even Israel, which is still technically at war with Lebanon, offered support. "Israel signaled it is willing to help," he said.
    "Our role is to be by their sides," he said. "Lebanon's future is at stake."
    4 View gallery
    התפרעויות בביירות
    התפרעויות בביירות
    Police in Lebanon fire tear gas at protesters who oppose government's handling of the tragedy
    (Photo: Reuters)
    A Macron aide declined on Saturday to set a target for the conference. Emergency aid was needed for reconstruction, food aid, medical equipment and schools and hospitals, the official said.
    U.S. President Donald Trump will participate. "Everyone wants to help!" he tweeted. ($1 = 0.8485 euros)
    4Comments
    add comment
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    4.
    #1 PROFITER OF THIS TRAGEDY IS CHINA AND THE MULLAHS
    Any help given will be taken over by them and the job of re-constructing the port will go to Chinese who can easily bribe the Lebanese or the mullahs into doing anything. Unfortunately, the help is a great gesture, but it will only be symbolic and will end up in the wrong hands. However, there is no much Israel can do.
    IRANIAN JEW| 08.10.20
    13
    add comment
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    3.
    2 countries border Liban-ISRAEL and SYRIAI.Which one is best
    Alan| 08.09.20
    72
    add comment
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    2.
    Sir
    Macron knows so well personnally the corrupt politicians ?? How can he garantee funds will not end up in the wrong hands ? Then with regard to his reference to Israel's offer of help : he certainly didn't mention it at the conference to please or congratulate Israel ; he probably knows as many do (except this bizarre Israeli government ) that whoever gets involved with Lebanon will have to deal with HEZBOLAH and put them in trouble ....is that what Macron wants ? I think so. Sorry to be cynical...I wish politicians would less narcistic.....
    jeha| 08.09.20
    52
    add comment
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    Load more talkbacks
    ""