Macron set to travel to Lebanon on August 6August 5, 2020 - 17:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Beirut Thursday, August 6 to "meet all political actors" following the blasts that devastated the Lebanese capital, the French presidency said, according to France 24. Macron will meet his counterpart Michel Aoun, whom he called late Tuesday, as well as Prime Minister Hassan Diab, the Élysée Palace announced as France prepared to send three planes with search and rescue personnel and medical equipment to the ravaged city. French Prime Minister Jean Castex is holding a meeting later Wedneday to organise France's aid for Lebanon in the wake of Tuesday's twin explosions at the port of Beirut – the second one a blast that mushroomed out with the force of an earthquake. More than 100 people were killed and more than 4,000 injured in the explosion, according to the Lebanese Red Cross. Beirut's governor said 300,000 people have been left homeless and damage is estimated at up to $5 billion. Lebanon is a former French protectorate and the countries retain close political and economic ties. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. U.S. doesn’t see Russia as contributing to peace in Caucasus Patel made the remarks when asked about the implications of Russia’s withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh. |