Macron calls Berri and Mikati, expresses solidarity with Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron has held phone talks with Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati over the deadly explosions that rocked Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A statement issued by Mikati’s office said Macron condemned the blasts and expressed “solidarity and sympathy with Lebanon during this painful plight.”

He also called on all parties to “show restraint and avoid an escalation that would not lead to any solution.”

Mikati for his part thanked Macron for his “sympathy and continued support for Lebanon,” demanding that “a firm stance be taken over the Israeli aggression during the (U.N.) Security Council session that will be held tomorrow at the request of the Lebanese government.”

A statement issued by Berri’s office said the French president offered condolences over the victims of the blasts and wished a speedy recovery for the wounded.

He also reiterated France’s support for Lebanon to help it “overcome the current situations.”

Berri for his part explained to Macron “the details of the crime that Israel committed against Lebanon, entire Lebanon, and targeted thousands of Lebanese in a manner never seen before in history,” slamming a “blatant war crime.”

The Speaker also called on France “support Lebanon’s stance at the U.N.,” urging the international community to “press Israel to halt its aggression against the Gaza Strip and Lebanon before it’s too late.”