BEIRUT, Lebanon — Close allies and traditional adversaries of Lebanon paid tribute on Tuesday to the victims of massive, deadly twin blasts in Beirut, as condolences and offers of help poured in. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hassan Diab called on “friendly countries” to support a country already reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades and the coronavirus pandemic. ADVERTISEMENTUN chief Antonio Guterres expressed his “deepest condolences … following the horrific explosions in Beirut” which he said had also injured some United Nations personnel. “Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, on behalf of the State of Israel, have offered the Lebanese government — via international intermediaries — medical and humanitarian aid, as well as immediate emergency assistance,” a statement read. ADVERTISEMENT‘Stay strong, Lebanon’Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Amman was ready to provide any help Lebanon needed, while Iran said it was “fully prepared to render assistance in any way necessary.”“Our thoughts and prayers are with the great and resilient people of Lebanon,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer August 04, 2020 23:35 UTC