Lebanon’s 89-year-old President Michel Aoun&nbsp;left the presidential palace on Sunday, marking an end to his tumultuous term that had&nbsp;seen economic meltdown and a deadly Beirut port blast.

His exit paves the way for a constitutional crisis with no one next lined up to take over the presidency and no formal Cabinet leading the government.

There have been four unsuccessful attempts to elect his successor, either casting mostly blank ballots or failing to show up to the session meaning it ends with no quorum. Currently, Lebanon is being run by a caretaker cabinet.

Before demitting his office, Aoun signed a US-brokered deal delineating Lebanon's southern maritime border with Israel in his final week at the palace.

Aoun, a Christian and a divisive figure, secured his presidency in 2016 after getting support from Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah and rival Maronite Christian politician Samir Geagea in a deal that brought then-leading Sunni politician Saad al-Hariri back as prime minister.

Aoun’s ascension to the top post was welcomed by many Christians at the time who viewed him as their defender in Lebanon's sectarian system, but his reign was marred by corruption and scandals.

In his six-year term, Lebanon saw its forces fighting off Islamist militants on the Syrian border in 2017 with Hezbollah’s help, a new electoral law passed in 2018 and top energy companies begin exploratory drilling in offshore blocks in 2020.

But one of the most testing moments in his presidency came when the Beirut port blast occurred in 2020, killing&nbsp;over 200 people.

The 89-year-old later said that he was aware of the chemical stored in the port and claimed to have asked authorities to take care of it, but his response was widely criticised by people who said that he should have done more.

In an interview to Reuters on Saturday, Aoun said that his presidential powers were not enough to address the economic crisis.

"He was by far the worst president in Lebanon's history" Michel Meouchi, a lawyer told Reuters. "I prefer a void in the presidency to him."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Lebanon’s 89-year-old President Michel Aoun left the presidential palace on Sunday, marking an end to his tumultuous term that had seen economic meltdown and a deadly Beirut port blast.

Lebanon’s 89-year-old President Michel Aoun left the presidential palace on Sunday, marking an end to his tumultuous term that had seen economic meltdown and a deadly Beirut port blast. His exit paves the way for a constitutional crisis with no one next lined up to take over the presidency and no formal Cabinet leading the government. There have been four unsuccessful attempts to elect his successor, either casting mostly blank ballots or failing to show up to the session meaning it ends with no quorum. Currently, Lebanon is being run by a caretaker cabinet. Before demitting his office, Aoun signed a US-brokered deal delineating Lebanon's southern maritime border with Israel in his final week at the palace. Aoun, a Christian and a divisive figure, secured his presidency in 2016 after getting support from Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah and rival Maronite Christian politician Samir Geagea in a deal that brought then-leading Sunni politician Saad al-Hariri back as prime minister. Aoun’s ascension to the top post was welcomed by many Christians at the time who viewed him as their defender in Lebanon's sectarian system, but his reign was marred by corruption and scandals. In his six-year term, Lebanon saw its forces fighting off Islamist militants on the Syrian border in 2017 with Hezbollah’s help, a new electoral law passed in 2018 and top energy companies begin exploratory drilling in offshore blocks in 2020. But one of the most testing moments in his presidency came when the Beirut port blast occurred in 2020, killing over 200 people. The 89-year-old later said that he was aware of the chemical stored in the port and claimed to have asked authorities to take care of it, but his response was widely criticised by people who said that he should have done more. In an interview to Reuters on Saturday, Aoun said that his presidential powers were not enough to address the economic crisis. "He was by far the worst president in Lebanon's history" Michel Meouchi, a lawyer told Reuters. "I prefer a void in the presidency to him." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

President Michel Aoun demits office, amidst political and economic crises in Lebanon

Pope Francis and Lebanon's Christian leaders began a summit on Thursday to discuss how religion can help the country overcome its worst crisis since its civil war ended in 1990.

Francis and the patriarchs of Lebanon's various Christian groups walked from the Santa Marta residence where he lives into St. Peter's Basilica.

The pope, dressed in his white cassock, and the leaders, dressed in black, lit candles and prayed before the tomb of St. Peter under the basilica's main altar.

The Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Syrian Orthodox and Protestant Churches were among those represented.

From the Basilica, the pope and the patriarchs moved to the Clementine Hall in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace for a day of primate meetings. A public ceremony, including a closing addressed by the pope was due to start on Friday afternoon.

Francis has said he wants to visit Lebanon, but wants fractious politicians to agree on a new government.

The Vatican's foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, said last week the visit could take place late this year or early next year. He suggested the pope could go even without a government in place.

"The Christian community is weakening, there is a risk that the internal balance in Lebanon itself will be destroyed, endangering the presence of Christians in the Middle East," Gallagher said.

Prime minister-designate Saad al-Hariri has been at loggerheads for months with President Michel Aoun over cabinet positions.

Lebanon's three main Christian groups are Maronite Catholics, Eastern Orthodox and Melchite Catholics. There are a number of other smaller Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic groups.

Lebanon is still reeling from a huge chemical explosion at the Beirut port last year that killed 200 people and caused billions of dollars worth of damage, further weakening an economy already facing meltdown.

The crisis has pushed much of the population into poverty and poses the biggest threat to stability since the 1975-1990 civil war.

Hariri, a three-time prime minister, resigned in 2019 after nationwide protests against a political elite blamed by demonstrators for pushing the country into crisis.

Pope Francis and Lebanon's Christian leaders began a summit on Thursday to discuss how religion can help the country overcome its worst crisis since its civil war ended in 1990.

Pope Francis and Lebanon's Christian leaders began a summit on Thursday to discuss how religion can help the country overcome its worst crisis since its civil war ended in 1990. Francis and the patriarchs of Lebanon's various Christian groups walked from the Santa Marta residence where he lives into St. Peter's Basilica. The pope, dressed in his white cassock, and the leaders, dressed in black, lit candles and prayed before the tomb of St. Peter under the basilica's main altar. The Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Syrian Orthodox and Protestant Churches were among those represented. From the Basilica, the pope and the patriarchs moved to the Clementine Hall in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace for a day of primate meetings. A public ceremony, including a closing addressed by the pope was due to start on Friday afternoon. Francis has said he wants to visit Lebanon, but wants fractious politicians to agree on a new government. The Vatican's foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, said last week the visit could take place late this year or early next year. He suggested the pope could go even without a government in place. "The Christian community is weakening, there is a risk that the internal balance in Lebanon itself will be destroyed, endangering the presence of Christians in the Middle East," Gallagher said. Prime minister-designate Saad al-Hariri has been at loggerheads for months with President Michel Aoun over cabinet positions. Lebanon's three main Christian groups are Maronite Catholics, Eastern Orthodox and Melchite Catholics. There are a number of other smaller Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic groups. Lebanon is still reeling from a huge chemical explosion at the Beirut port last year that killed 200 people and caused billions of dollars worth of damage, further weakening an economy already facing meltdown. The crisis has pushed much of the population into poverty and poses the biggest threat to stability since the 1975-1990 civil war. Hariri, a three-time prime minister, resigned in 2019 after nationwide protests against a political elite blamed by demonstrators for pushing the country into crisis.

Pope, Lebanon Christian heads begin summit on country's crisis

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun warned&nbsp;that the country was headed to "hell" if a new cabinet is not appointed quickly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-army-finds-13-tonnes-of-fireworks-at-destroyed-beirut-port-328663">Also Read:&nbsp;Lebanon army finds 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at destroyed Beirut port</a>

In a televised address to the nation, Aoun said: "With the entrenchment of positions, no solution seems imminent", and added&nbsp;later that a "miracle" could help in a political breakthrough.

Lebanon's prime minister-designate Mustapha Adib has been pressing hard to strike a deal to form the cabinet. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier given Lebanon's leaders a two-week deadline to form a government which passed last week. &nbsp;

Lebanon's capital Beirut was hit by a deadly blast last month in which at least 180 people were killed and several hundred injured amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Macron had travelled to Beirut in the aftermath of the blasts and had called for political reforms amid the chaos as residents welcomed him and openly discussed the issues related to the country.

US secretary Mike Pompeo had said earlier that, "Business as usual in Lebanon just is unacceptable", while adding, "This has to be a government that conducts significant reforms."

"I am counting on everyone's cooperation to form a government whose task will be to implement what was agreed upon with President Macron," Adib had said earlier.

Another fire had hit the Beirut's commercial district earlier in the month amid recovery efforts from the August 4 blasts. Fire trucks quickly moved to put out the flames. &nbsp;

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun warned that the country was headed to "hell" if a new cabinet is not appointed quickly. Also Read: Lebanon army finds 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at destroyed Beirut port In a televised address to the nation, Aoun said: "With the entrenchment of positions, no solution seems imminent", and added later that a "miracle" could help in a political breakthrough.

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun warned that the country was headed to "hell" if a new cabinet is not appointed quickly. Also Read: Lebanon army finds 1.3 tonnes of fireworks at destroyed Beirut port In a televised address to the nation, Aoun said: "With the entrenchment of positions, no solution seems imminent", and added later that a "miracle" could help in a political breakthrough. Lebanon's prime minister-designate Mustapha Adib has been pressing hard to strike a deal to form the cabinet. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier given Lebanon's leaders a two-week deadline to form a government which passed last week. Lebanon's capital Beirut was hit by a deadly blast last month in which at least 180 people were killed and several hundred injured amid the coronavirus pandemic. Macron had travelled to Beirut in the aftermath of the blasts and had called for political reforms amid the chaos as residents welcomed him and openly discussed the issues related to the country. US secretary Mike Pompeo had said earlier that, "Business as usual in Lebanon just is unacceptable", while adding, "This has to be a government that conducts significant reforms." "I am counting on everyone's cooperation to form a government whose task will be to implement what was agreed upon with President Macron," Adib had said earlier. Another fire had hit the Beirut's commercial district earlier in the month amid recovery efforts from the August 4 blasts. Fire trucks quickly moved to put out the flames.

Country will go 'to hell' unless cabinet formed, warns Lebanon President Aoun

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun is at the centre of a new scandal after it was revealed that tea donated by Sri Lanka for victims of the Beirut blast was distributed to families of his presidential guards.

Lebanese President at centre of new scandal: President gave tea to members of entourage

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun has come under fire after it emerged that tea donated by Sri Lanka for victims of the Beirut blast was distributed instead to families of his presidential guards.

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/not-a-drop-of-oil-leak-into-sea-from-mt-new-diamond-cargo-hold-says-director-general-of-indian-coast-guard-326344" hreflang="en">Not a drop of oil leak into sea from MT New diamond cargo hold, says Director General of Indian Coast Guard</a>

Critics see it as yet another example of official corruption in a country reeling from the August 4 explosion that killed more than 190 people, wounded thousands and ravaged central Beirut.

Sri Lanka, many of whose expat community in Lebanon work as housemaids, was one of several nations that rushed to show support in the wake of Lebanon's worst peace-time disaster.

The president's office on August 24 released a picture of Aoun receiving the Sri Lankan ambassador, and quoted her as saying Colombo had "donated 1,675 kilos (3,685 pounds) of Ceylon tea to those affected by the Beirut blast".

After Lebanese media and social media asked what happened to the donation, it issued a second statement on Tuesday.

The presidency said Aoun had written to his Sri Lankan counterpart to thank him for "a gift of Ceylon tea that had been received by the army... and distributed to the families of soldiers in the presidential guard".

Social media erupted in criticism, with the hashtags "tea thief" and "Ceylon tea" trending on Twitter.

"The tea was sent to the Lebanese, particularly those affected by the explosion. Of course it wasn't a present for those who don't need it," wrote Paula Yacoubian, a former MP who resigned after the blast many blame on official neglect.

"Distributing the aid to your entourage is shameful," she wrote.

Another user quipped: "The excuse that it was a present for the president is even worse than the sin itself."

Beside the tea controversy, social media users have also been up in arms over the fate of 12 tonnes of fish that Mauritania sent in mid-August.

After widespread calls to know its whereabouts, the army said Monday it had received the fish and "stored it according to public safety standards".

It was talking to several associations preparing meals for those in need "to cook it and distribute it to those affected by the port blast".

On Twitter, yet another user made light of the food aid controversy.

"The presidential palace, or the palace of the people, invites you to a free lunch on Sunday," she wrote.

"Open buffet on Mauritanian fish, and open bar on Ceylon tea."

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun has come under fire after it emerged that tea donated by Sri Lanka for victims of the Beirut blast was distributed instead to families of his presidential guards.

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun has come under fire after it emerged that tea donated by Sri Lanka for victims of the Beirut blast was distributed instead to families of his presidential guards. Also read: Not a drop of oil leak into sea from MT New diamond cargo hold, says Director General of Indian Coast Guard Critics see it as yet another example of official corruption in a country reeling from the August 4 explosion that killed more than 190 people, wounded thousands and ravaged central Beirut. Sri Lanka, many of whose expat community in Lebanon work as housemaids, was one of several nations that rushed to show support in the wake of Lebanon's worst peace-time disaster. The president's office on August 24 released a picture of Aoun receiving the Sri Lankan ambassador, and quoted her as saying Colombo had "donated 1,675 kilos (3,685 pounds) of Ceylon tea to those affected by the Beirut blast". After Lebanese media and social media asked what happened to the donation, it issued a second statement on Tuesday. The presidency said Aoun had written to his Sri Lankan counterpart to thank him for "a gift of Ceylon tea that had been received by the army... and distributed to the families of soldiers in the presidential guard". Social media erupted in criticism, with the hashtags "tea thief" and "Ceylon tea" trending on Twitter. "The tea was sent to the Lebanese, particularly those affected by the explosion. Of course it wasn't a present for those who don't need it," wrote Paula Yacoubian, a former MP who resigned after the blast many blame on official neglect. "Distributing the aid to your entourage is shameful," she wrote. Another user quipped: "The excuse that it was a present for the president is even worse than the sin itself." Beside the tea controversy, social media users have also been up in arms over the fate of 12 tonnes of fish that Mauritania sent in mid-August. After widespread calls to know its whereabouts, the army said Monday it had received the fish and "stored it according to public safety standards". It was talking to several associations preparing meals for those in need "to cook it and distribute it to those affected by the port blast". On Twitter, yet another user made light of the food aid controversy. "The presidential palace, or the palace of the people, invites you to a free lunch on Sunday," she wrote. "Open buffet on Mauritanian fish, and open bar on Ceylon tea."

Sri Lanka tea storm swirls around Lebanon president

Lebanese President Michel Aoun dismissed as "impossible" the chance that a vast explosion in Beirut's port this month was caused by a blast from a deposit of Hezbollah arms, but said that all possibilities would be investigated.

Lebanese authorities are probing what caused massive amounts of ammonium nitrate warehoused unsafely for years at the port to denotate in a mushroom cloud on August&nbsp;4, killing 178 people, injuring 6,000 and destroying swathes of the city.

Aoun, an ally of the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, said in an interview published on Tuesday that the group did not store weapons at the port, echoing comments by Hezbollah's leader earlier this month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hard-on-the-eyes-beirut-blast-leaves-many-half-blinded-321390">Hard on the eyes: Beirut blast leaves many half-blinded</a>

"Impossible, but serious events like these light up spirits and imagination," Aoun said when asked about people advancing the hypothesis, but added that "even this lead will be investigated".

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has denied accusations that his heavily armed movement had weaponry warehoused at Beirut port.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-images-capture-beirut-before-vs-after-devastating-blast-318562">Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast</a>

He has said that the group would wait for results of the investigation but if it turns out to be an act of sabotage by Israel then it would "pay an equal price".

Hezbollah, which exercises sway over government in Lebanon, has fought several wars with Israel and is classified by the United States as a terrorist group.&nbsp;Israel has denied any involvement in the blast.

Aoun has said the probe is looking into whether neglect, an accident or "external interference" caused the blast.

"Although it seems that (it) has been an accident, I want to avoid being accused of not having listened to every voice," Aoun told the Italian daily.

He said that many people claimed seeing airplanes fly by the port just before the blast and, although "not very credible", they should be listened to.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun dismissed as "impossible" the chance that a vast explosion in Beirut's port this month was caused by a blast from a deposit of Hezbollah arms, but said that all possibilities would be investigated.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun dismissed as "impossible" the chance that a vast explosion in Beirut's port this month was caused by a blast from a deposit of Hezbollah arms, but said that all possibilities would be investigated. Lebanese authorities are probing what caused massive amounts of ammonium nitrate warehoused unsafely for years at the port to denotate in a mushroom cloud on August 4, killing 178 people, injuring 6,000 and destroying swathes of the city. Aoun, an ally of the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, said in an interview published on Tuesday that the group did not store weapons at the port, echoing comments by Hezbollah's leader earlier this month. Also read: Hard on the eyes: Beirut blast leaves many half-blinded "Impossible, but serious events like these light up spirits and imagination," Aoun said when asked about people advancing the hypothesis, but added that "even this lead will be investigated". Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has denied accusations that his heavily armed movement had weaponry warehoused at Beirut port. Also see: Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast He has said that the group would wait for results of the investigation but if it turns out to be an act of sabotage by Israel then it would "pay an equal price". Hezbollah, which exercises sway over government in Lebanon, has fought several wars with Israel and is classified by the United States as a terrorist group. Israel has denied any involvement in the blast. Aoun has said the probe is looking into whether neglect, an accident or "external interference" caused the blast. "Although it seems that (it) has been an accident, I want to avoid being accused of not having listened to every voice," Aoun told the Italian daily. He said that many people claimed seeing airplanes fly by the port just before the blast and, although "not very credible", they should be listened to.

Lebanese president says 'impossible' that Hezbollah behind Beirut blast

Lebanese President Michel Aoun, ally of Israel's arch-foe Hezbollah, seemed to leave the door open to eventual peace with the Jewish state, in an interview with French news channel BFMTV.

Lebanon has technically been at war with neighbouring Israel for decades, with tensions sporadically flaring in the border area in Lebanon's south, stronghold of the Shiite Muslim Hezbollah movement.

Asked in an interview on BFMTV on Saturday whether Lebanon would be prepared to make peace with Israel, Aoun responded: "That depends. We have problems with Israel, we have to resolve them first."

His statement came in the wake of an announcement Thursday that Israel would normalise relations with the United Arab Emirates, only the third Arab state to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel since its creation in 1948.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-protests-president-michel-aoun-urges-nation-to-unite-304030">Lebanon protests: President Michel Aoun urges nation to unite</a>

"It's an independent country," Aoun said of the UAE.

Aoun's Christian Free Patriotic Movement has for years been politically allied with Hezbollah, enabling them to dominate parliament and the government, which resigned on Monday amid outrage over negligence that led to the deadly explosion at Beirut's port that devastated the capital.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday of the Israel-UAE agreement that "it's a betrayal of Jerusalem and the Palestinian people. It's a knife in the back."

A key point of contention between Lebanon and Israel concerns oil and gas resources in the eastern Mediterranean, where both countries have sought bids for exploration in their exclusive economic zones.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-warns-iran-over-interference-as-lebanon-president-claims-blast-damage-cost-15-billion-320049">Macron warns Iran over interference as Lebanon President claims blast damage cost $15 billion</a>

The maritime border between the countries is disputed.

Aoun's interview was aired in the aftermath of the Beirut blast on August 4 that killed 177 people and wounded at least 6,500 more, with many blaming systemic corruption and negligence of the entrenched political class for the disaster.

Many Lebanese have demanded the ouster of the entire ruling class, dominated by ex-warlords from the country's 1975-1990 civil war, including of Aoun.&nbsp;

Asked by the BFMTV journalist if he had thought of stepping down, Aoun said, "it's impossible, there would be a vacuum".

Lebanese President Michel Aoun, ally of Israel's arch-foe Hezbollah, seemed to leave the door open to eventual peace with the Jewish state, in an interview with French news channel BFMTV.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun, ally of Israel's arch-foe Hezbollah, seemed to leave the door open to eventual peace with the Jewish state, in an interview with French news channel BFMTV. Lebanon has technically been at war with neighbouring Israel for decades, with tensions sporadically flaring in the border area in Lebanon's south, stronghold of the Shiite Muslim Hezbollah movement. Asked in an interview on BFMTV on Saturday whether Lebanon would be prepared to make peace with Israel, Aoun responded: "That depends. We have problems with Israel, we have to resolve them first." His statement came in the wake of an announcement Thursday that Israel would normalise relations with the United Arab Emirates, only the third Arab state to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel since its creation in 1948. Also read | Lebanon protests: President Michel Aoun urges nation to unite "It's an independent country," Aoun said of the UAE. Aoun's Christian Free Patriotic Movement has for years been politically allied with Hezbollah, enabling them to dominate parliament and the government, which resigned on Monday amid outrage over negligence that led to the deadly explosion at Beirut's port that devastated the capital. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday of the Israel-UAE agreement that "it's a betrayal of Jerusalem and the Palestinian people. It's a knife in the back." A key point of contention between Lebanon and Israel concerns oil and gas resources in the eastern Mediterranean, where both countries have sought bids for exploration in their exclusive economic zones. Also read | Macron warns Iran over interference as Lebanon President claims blast damage cost $15 billion The maritime border between the countries is disputed. Aoun's interview was aired in the aftermath of the Beirut blast on August 4 that killed 177 people and wounded at least 6,500 more, with many blaming systemic corruption and negligence of the entrenched political class for the disaster. Many Lebanese have demanded the ouster of the entire ruling class, dominated by ex-warlords from the country's 1975-1990 civil war, including of Aoun. Asked by the BFMTV journalist if he had thought of stepping down, Aoun said, "it's impossible, there would be a vacuum".

Lebanon president hedges over eventual peace with Israel in interview

The massive blast at Beirut port on August 4 caused more than $15 billion in damages, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Wednesday.

Also read- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-death-toll-rises-to-171-as-lebanon-marks-one-week-since-deadly-blast-319819">Beirut: Death toll rises to 171 as Lebanon marks one week since deadly blast</a>

"Preliminary estimates of the losses suffered following the port explosion top 15 billion," he was quoted as telling Spain's King Felipe in a phone call, in a message on the presidency's Twitter account.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron warned Iran against interference in Lebanon.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/beirut-blast-places-where-ammonium-nitrate-is-being-stored-around-the-world-319744" hreflang="en">Beirut blast: Places where ammonium nitrate is being stored around the world</a>

During a telephone call to President Hassan Rouhani, the French president said "necessity for all the powers concerned... to avoid any outside interference and to support the putting in place of a government which can manage the emergency."&nbsp;

The death toll from the explosion has reached&nbsp;171, while&nbsp;more than 6,000 have been wounded and 300,000 people have been temporarily displaced&nbsp;from&nbsp;their homes.&nbsp;

It was caused by the ignition of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been sitting at Beirut port for more than six years.

The explosion has fuelled popular outrage against the country's top political leaders and security agencies, and led to the resignation of the government on Monday.

An international donor conference on Sunday&nbsp;raised pledges worth nearly $298 million for immediate humanitarian relief, but foreign countries are demanding transparency over how the aid is used.

The massive blast at Beirut port on August 4 caused more than $15 billion in damages, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Wednesday. Also read- Beirut: Death toll rises to 171 as Lebanon marks one week since deadly blast "Preliminary estimates of the losses suffered following the port explosion top 15 billion," he was quoted as telling Spain's King Felipe in a phone call, in a message on the presidency's Twitter account.

The massive blast at Beirut port on August 4 caused more than $15 billion in damages, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Wednesday. Also read- Beirut: Death toll rises to 171 as Lebanon marks one week since deadly blast "Preliminary estimates of the losses suffered following the port explosion top 15 billion," he was quoted as telling Spain's King Felipe in a phone call, in a message on the presidency's Twitter account. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron warned Iran against interference in Lebanon. Also see: Beirut blast: Places where ammonium nitrate is being stored around the world During a telephone call to President Hassan Rouhani, the French president said "necessity for all the powers concerned... to avoid any outside interference and to support the putting in place of a government which can manage the emergency." The death toll from the explosion has reached 171, while more than 6,000 have been wounded and 300,000 people have been temporarily displaced from their homes. It was caused by the ignition of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been sitting at Beirut port for more than six years. The explosion has fuelled popular outrage against the country's top political leaders and security agencies, and led to the resignation of the government on Monday. An international donor conference on Sunday raised pledges worth nearly $298 million for immediate humanitarian relief, but foreign countries are demanding transparency over how the aid is used.

Macron warns Iran over interference as Lebanon President claims blast damage cost $15 billion

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he would seek to mobilise Arab efforts to provide support to Lebanon after this week`s catastrophic explosion in Beirut destroyed parts of the capital.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, he also said the Cairo-based league of Arab states was ready to assist the investigation into the blast.

"We are ready to help with all our means," he said, adding that he would take part in an international conference call to be organised by France on Sunday to discuss aid for Lebanon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-blast-death-toll-climbs-to-at-least-137-three-day-mourning-declared-318461">Also read|&nbsp;Beirut blast death toll climbs to at least 137; three-day mourning declared</a>

Also speaking after meeting Aoun, Turkish Vice-President Fuat Oktay said his country is ready to help rebuild the port.

Turkey`s Mersin port, on the Mediterreanean, is ready to help Lebanon with customs clearance and warehousing services of large shipments until the Beirut Port is reconstructed, he added.

"We have said the goods could be transported with smaller ships and other means of transportation from Mersin to Lebanon," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-blast-emergency-aid-lands-in-lebanon-as-world-offers-support-318493">Also read|&nbsp;Beirut blast: Emergency aid lands in Lebanon as world offers support</a>

The explosion killed more than 150 people, injured 5,000 and left up to 250,000 without habitable homes. The blast occured at a port warehouse containing 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilisers and explosives.

Oktay also said in a speech that Turkish air ambulances could transport injured Lebanese to Turkey for treatment. Turkish authorities have sent a medical team and supplies as well as a search and rescue team.

The disaster struck as Lebanon is struggling with a deep economic crisis.

Oil-rich Gulf Arab states, which have long channelled funds into Lebanon’s fragile economy, had refrained this time from providing financial assistance, alarmed by the rising influence of Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by their arch-rival Iran.

"The recent, dangerous, painful events prove that there is no alternative (for Lebanon) to preserving the bridges with the Arab environment," the Emirati minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Twitter.

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he would seek to mobilise Arab efforts to provide support to Lebanon after this week`s catastrophic explosion in Beirut destroyed parts of the capital.

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he would seek to mobilise Arab efforts to provide support to Lebanon after this week`s catastrophic explosion in Beirut destroyed parts of the capital. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, he also said the Cairo-based league of Arab states was ready to assist the investigation into the blast. "We are ready to help with all our means," he said, adding that he would take part in an international conference call to be organised by France on Sunday to discuss aid for Lebanon. Also read| Beirut blast death toll climbs to at least 137; three-day mourning declared Also speaking after meeting Aoun, Turkish Vice-President Fuat Oktay said his country is ready to help rebuild the port. Turkey`s Mersin port, on the Mediterreanean, is ready to help Lebanon with customs clearance and warehousing services of large shipments until the Beirut Port is reconstructed, he added. "We have said the goods could be transported with smaller ships and other means of transportation from Mersin to Lebanon," he said. Also read| Beirut blast: Emergency aid lands in Lebanon as world offers support The explosion killed more than 150 people, injured 5,000 and left up to 250,000 without habitable homes. The blast occured at a port warehouse containing 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilisers and explosives. Oktay also said in a speech that Turkish air ambulances could transport injured Lebanese to Turkey for treatment. Turkish authorities have sent a medical team and supplies as well as a search and rescue team. The disaster struck as Lebanon is struggling with a deep economic crisis. Oil-rich Gulf Arab states, which have long channelled funds into Lebanon’s fragile economy, had refrained this time from providing financial assistance, alarmed by the rising influence of Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by their arch-rival Iran. "The recent, dangerous, painful events prove that there is no alternative (for Lebanon) to preserving the bridges with the Arab environment," the Emirati minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Twitter.

Arab League says ready to mobilise Arab efforts to help Lebanon; Turkey ready to rebuild port

A huge blast in Beirut has killed more than 100 people and left 300,000 people homeless and caused damage across half of the city estimated to cost more than $3 billion, its governor told AFP on Wednesday.

Social media is abuzz in Lebanon&nbsp;with videos from different corners of the city as the blast happened.&nbsp;One such video captured from the CCTV footage of the house shows an African maid risking her life to save a child.

Twitter user @HSajwanization shared the video on the micro-blogging site and wrote, "My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child .. 🙏🏼 , Not all angels have wings 🕊".

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child .. 🙏🏼 
Not all angels have wings 🕊 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeirutExplosion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeirutExplosion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#لبنان</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beirut</a> <a href="https://t.co/94vVB5UTVc">pic.twitter.com/94vVB5UTVc</a>
— حسن سجواني 🇦🇪 Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) <a href="https://twitter.com/HSajwanization/status/1290752248121905155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Another video which went viral saw a bride posing for her bridal photoshoot running to save her life. The video recorded from the shooting camera shows how everyone, including the bride in her bridal wear running around amid the chaos after&nbsp;the blast.

Twitter user @RaShalhoub shared the video with the caption, "A bride in downtown Beirut".

The video since being posted has over 2.3 million views on the micro-blogging site and is being shared widely by users.

Watch the video here:

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عروس وسط بيروت.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#لبنان</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZSPhYBLZra">pic.twitter.com/ZSPhYBLZra</a>
— رشـــــــــــــا🇱🇧 (@RaShalhoub) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaShalhoub/status/1290724338547777536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier today, another video surfaced of a father in Beirut seen trying to comfort and protect his son from the blast.

The video was shared by @HayowAli and has more than 361.8k views and going viral across the region.

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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This video of a father in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beirut</a> trying to comfort and protect his son from the blast moved me to tears, So surreal and this is extremely sad. Wonderful Dad.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrayForLebanon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrayForLebanon</a>🤲🤲🤲<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/prayforbeirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#prayforbeirut</a>🤲🤲🤲 <a href="https://t.co/jzWoXst30m">pic.twitter.com/jzWoXst30m</a>
— Mohamed Ali Hayow (@HayowAli) <a href="https://twitter.com/HayowAli/status/1290797180614311944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Another user shared a video he recorded in his moving car showing&nbsp;the impact of the blast. The video clearly shows the damage caused to his car from the blast.

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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Terrifying video of the Beirut explosion from a car driving on the road next to the port <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beirut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beirut</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeirutBlast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeirutBlast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeirutExplosion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeirutExplosion</a> <a href="https://t.co/ueurmqWf8g">pic.twitter.com/ueurmqWf8g</a>
— 𝐀𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐮𝐬® (@aamiryounus) <a href="https://twitter.com/aamiryounus/status/1290829782913974272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Wednesday toured the site where the&nbsp;explosion ripped through Beirut's port and surrounding areas on Tuesday.

Aoun said 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilizers and bombs&nbsp;had been stored for six years at the port without safety measures. He called it "unacceptable."

The explosion was the most powerful ever to rip through Beirut, leaving the port district a wreck of mangled masonry and disabling the main entry port for imports to feed a nation of more than 6 million people.

Lebanese rescue workers dug through rubble on Wednesday looking for survivors.&nbsp;Officials said the toll was expected to rise in a city still reeling from civil war three decades ago and hit with economic meltdown and a surge in coronavirus infections, reported news agency Reuters.

The explosion came three days before a U.N.-backed court is due to deliver a verdict in the trial of four suspects from the Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah over a 2005 bombing that killed former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri and 21 others.

Hariri was killed by a huge truck bomb on the same waterfront, about 2 km from the port.

A huge blast in Beirut has killed more than 100 people and left 300,000 people homeless and caused damage across half of the city estimated to cost more than $3 billion, its governor told AFP on Wednesday.

A huge blast in Beirut has killed more than 100 people and left 300,000 people homeless and caused damage across half of the city estimated to cost more than $3 billion, its governor told AFP on Wednesday. Social media is abuzz in Lebanon with videos from different corners of the city as the blast happened. One such video captured from the CCTV footage of the house shows an African maid risking her life to save a child. Twitter user @HSajwanization shared the video on the micro-blogging site and wrote, "My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child .. 🙏🏼 , Not all angels have wings 🕊". Watch the video here: My heart goes for this African maid, who ignored her own life, and tried to safe her employer’s child .. 🙏🏼 Not all angels have wings 🕊 #BeirutExplosion #لبنان #Beirut pic.twitter.com/94vVB5UTVc — حسن سجواني 🇦🇪 Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) August 4, 2020 × Another video which went viral saw a bride posing for her bridal photoshoot running to save her life. The video recorded from the shooting camera shows how everyone, including the bride in her bridal wear running around amid the chaos after the blast. Twitter user @RaShalhoub shared the video with the caption, "A bride in downtown Beirut". The video since being posted has over 2.3 million views on the micro-blogging site and is being shared widely by users. Watch the video here: عروس وسط بيروت.. #لبنان pic.twitter.com/ZSPhYBLZra — رشـــــــــــــا🇱🇧 (@RaShalhoub) August 4, 2020 × Earlier today, another video surfaced of a father in Beirut seen trying to comfort and protect his son from the blast. The video was shared by @HayowAli and has more than 361.8k views and going viral across the region. Watch the video here: This video of a father in #Beirut trying to comfort and protect his son from the blast moved me to tears, So surreal and this is extremely sad. Wonderful Dad.#PrayForLebanon🤲🤲🤲#prayforbeirut🤲🤲🤲 pic.twitter.com/jzWoXst30m — Mohamed Ali Hayow (@HayowAli) August 4, 2020 × Another user shared a video he recorded in his moving car showing the impact of the blast. The video clearly shows the damage caused to his car from the blast. Watch the video here: Terrifying video of the Beirut explosion from a car driving on the road next to the port #Beirut #BeirutBlast #BeirutExplosion pic.twitter.com/ueurmqWf8g — 𝐀𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐮𝐬® (@aamiryounus) August 5, 2020 × Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Wednesday toured the site where the explosion ripped through Beirut's port and surrounding areas on Tuesday. Aoun said 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilizers and bombs had been stored for six years at the port without safety measures. He called it "unacceptable." The explosion was the most powerful ever to rip through Beirut, leaving the port district a wreck of mangled masonry and disabling the main entry port for imports to feed a nation of more than 6 million people. Lebanese rescue workers dug through rubble on Wednesday looking for survivors. Officials said the toll was expected to rise in a city still reeling from civil war three decades ago and hit with economic meltdown and a surge in coronavirus infections, reported news agency Reuters. The explosion came three days before a U.N.-backed court is due to deliver a verdict in the trial of four suspects from the Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah over a 2005 bombing that killed former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri and 21 others. Hariri was killed by a huge truck bomb on the same waterfront, about 2 km from the port.

Beirut blast: Viral videos of the moment when it happened!

Explosion decimates Beirut's port, disrupting the struggling country's lifeline

Lebanese President Michel Aoun has urged his nation to unite on Sunday after violent protests erupted in parts of Beirut. The protestors are the supporters of rival sectarian political parties.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/masks-and-gloves-clad-lebanese-join-anti-government-protests-303982" hreflang="en">Masks and gloves clad Lebanese join anti-government protests</a>

Lebanon has been under a fragile sectarian balance ever since a civil war in the country from 1975 to 1990.&nbsp;

This was the first big anti-government protest since the three-month-long lockdown has been lifted in the country, to help revive the crippling economy.

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The government is negotiating an International Monetary Fund package it hopes will secure billions of dollars in financing to prop up its collapsing economy.

"Our strength remains in our national unity...What happened last night is a warning bell," Aoun's office quoted him as saying on Twitter. "We must put our political disputes aside and hurry to work together to revive our country from the depth of the successive crises."

Despite wearing gloves and masks, social distancing during these protests.&nbsp;

The protests turned violent as people burned garbage bins and ransacked a furniture shop in the capital's upscale shopping district. The shop's windows and doors were broken. People also took out couch from the store to block that road.

"The Prime Minister condemns and denounces in the strongest terms, all sectarian slogans ... and calls on all Lebanese and their political and spiritual leaders to exercise awareness and wisdom and cooperate with the army and security services," Prime Minister Hassan Diab wrote on Twitter.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Lebanese President Michel Aoun has urged his nation to unite on Sunday after violent protests erupted in parts of Beirut. The protestors are the supporters of rival sectarian political parties.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun has urged his nation to unite on Sunday after violent protests erupted in parts of Beirut. The protestors are the supporters of rival sectarian political parties. Also read: Masks and gloves clad Lebanese join anti-government protests Lebanon has been under a fragile sectarian balance ever since a civil war in the country from 1975 to 1990. This was the first big anti-government protest since the three-month-long lockdown has been lifted in the country, to help revive the crippling economy. The government is negotiating an International Monetary Fund package it hopes will secure billions of dollars in financing to prop up its collapsing economy. "Our strength remains in our national unity...What happened last night is a warning bell," Aoun's office quoted him as saying on Twitter. "We must put our political disputes aside and hurry to work together to revive our country from the depth of the successive crises." Despite wearing gloves and masks, social distancing during these protests. The protests turned violent as people burned garbage bins and ransacked a furniture shop in the capital's upscale shopping district. The shop's windows and doors were broken. People also took out couch from the store to block that road. "The Prime Minister condemns and denounces in the strongest terms, all sectarian slogans ... and calls on all Lebanese and their political and spiritual leaders to exercise awareness and wisdom and cooperate with the army and security services," Prime Minister Hassan Diab wrote on Twitter. (With inputs from Reuters)

Lebanon protests: President Michel Aoun urges nation to unite

Protesters and security forces clash in Beirut, multiple wounded

Lebanese rescuers treated more than 300 people for injuries during hours of clashes between security forces and protesters that rocked central <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-nissan-boss-ghosn-says-french-envoy-warned-about-nissan-turning-against-him-274341">Beirut</a> on Saturday night.

<img alt="Fireworks are set off in front of police officers standing in position behind riot shields during the protest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dacbb317-b37f-496c-947f-940928c4b91e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2835%29_2.jpg" /> 
[ Fireworks are set off in front of police officers standing in position behind riot shields during the protest (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

It was the highest toll in some of the most intense violence since largely peaceful protests erupted across the country in October. As&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/prince-harry-draws-attention-to-2021-rugby-league-world-cup-274856">Lebanon</a>&nbsp;sinks deeper into its worst economic crisis in decades, anger has boiled over at a ruling elite dominating the country since the 1975-1990 civil war.

Watch: Fire engulfed in protester's camps in clash between security forces, protesters

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The Lebanese Red Cross said it had treated 220 people who were wounded on both sides on Saturday night, taking 80 of them to hospital. The Civil Defence said it had helped 114 others.

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FINAL UPDATE: 18 ambulances, 80 EMTs and 6 dispatchers from the LRC responded to the protests in downtown Beirut. Over 80 victims have been transported to nearby hospitals and over 140 injured were treated at the scene. LRC teams are still on standby and ready to respond. <a href="https://t.co/p1OG7WFqwl">pic.twitter.com/p1OG7WFqwl</a>
— Lebanese Red Cross (@RedCrossLebanon) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedCrossLebanon/status/1218619286190809088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Smoke enveloped a commercial district of the capital as security forces fired volleys of tear gas and unleashed water cannons. Riot police chased after men and women near&nbsp;Lebanon's parliament late into the night.

<img alt="A riot police kicks a tear gas canister during a protest against a ruling elite" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84a7e4d3-2ccc-47f6-a34d-806c20c3f42c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2837%29_3.jpg" /> 
[ A riot police kicks a tear gas canister during a protest against a ruling elite (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Protesters, with their faces covered, hurled stones, steel barriers and flower pots. They ripped branches off trees and signposts off the ground, charging at riot police.

In three months of protests, which have gripped the country and pushed Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/consultations-to-name-lebanese-pm-delayed-until-thursday-268534">Saad Hariri</a> to quit, politicians wrangling over cabinet seats have failed to agree on a new government or a rescue plan.

Meanwhile, the crisis is biting: the Lebanese pound has lost nearly half its value, dollar shortages have driven up prices and confidence in the banking system has collapsed.

Lebanese rescuers treated more than 300 people for injuries during hours of clashes between security forces and protesters that rocked central Beirut on Saturday night.

Lebanese rescuers treated more than 300 people for injuries during hours of clashes between security forces and protesters that rocked central Beirut on Saturday night. [ Fireworks are set off in front of police officers standing in position behind riot shields during the protest (Courtesy: Reuters) ] It was the highest toll in some of the most intense violence since largely peaceful protests erupted across the country in October. As Lebanon sinks deeper into its worst economic crisis in decades, anger has boiled over at a ruling elite dominating the country since the 1975-1990 civil war. Watch: Fire engulfed in protester's camps in clash between security forces, protesters The Lebanese Red Cross said it had treated 220 people who were wounded on both sides on Saturday night, taking 80 of them to hospital. The Civil Defence said it had helped 114 others. FINAL UPDATE: 18 ambulances, 80 EMTs and 6 dispatchers from the LRC responded to the protests in downtown Beirut. Over 80 victims have been transported to nearby hospitals and over 140 injured were treated at the scene. LRC teams are still on standby and ready to respond. pic.twitter.com/p1OG7WFqwl — Lebanese Red Cross (@RedCrossLebanon) January 18, 2020 × Smoke enveloped a commercial district of the capital as security forces fired volleys of tear gas and unleashed water cannons. Riot police chased after men and women near Lebanon's parliament late into the night. [ A riot police kicks a tear gas canister during a protest against a ruling elite (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Protesters, with their faces covered, hurled stones, steel barriers and flower pots. They ripped branches off trees and signposts off the ground, charging at riot police. In three months of protests, which have gripped the country and pushed Prime Minister Saad Hariri to quit, politicians wrangling over cabinet seats have failed to agree on a new government or a rescue plan. Meanwhile, the crisis is biting: the Lebanese pound has lost nearly half its value, dollar shortages have driven up prices and confidence in the banking system has collapsed.

Over 300 people wounded in Beirut protest clashes: Lebanese Red Cross

Fugitive former Nissan chairman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unexpected-surprise-nissan-boss-carlos-ghosn-flees-to-lebanon-japan-calls-it-cowardly-act-271393">Carlos&nbsp;Ghosn</a>&nbsp;met&nbsp;Lebanon's&nbsp;president&nbsp;after&nbsp;fleeing&nbsp;from&nbsp;Japan, where he was smuggled out of house arrest by a private security company, two&nbsp;sources&nbsp;close to&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;said on Wednesday.

Also Watch:&nbsp;'The Great Escape' of Carlos Ghosn

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One of the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;was greeted warmly by&nbsp;President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-pm-designate-begins-tough-talks-to-form-government-269503">Michel Aoun</a> on Monday&nbsp;after&nbsp;flying into Beirut via Istanbul and was now in a buoyant and combative mood and felt secure.

The plan to slip&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Japan, which marked the latest twist in a year-old saga that has shaken the global auto industry, was crafted over three months, the two&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

"It was a very professional operation from start to finish," one of them said.

In his meeting at the presidency,&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;thanked Aoun for the support he had given him and his wife Carole while he was in detention, the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said. He now needs the protection and security of his government&nbsp;after&nbsp;fleeing&nbsp;Japan, the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;added.

The meeting between Aoun and&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;has not been made public and a media adviser to the&nbsp;president's office denied the two men had&nbsp;met. The two&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said specifics of the meeting were described to them by&nbsp;Ghosn.

Ghosn&nbsp;could not be reached for comment on the meeting and has been silent publicly other than to issue a written statement shortly&nbsp;after&nbsp;his arrival saying he had "escaped injustice and political persecution."

Lebanese&nbsp;officials have said there would be no need to take legal measures against&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;because he entered the country legally on a French passport, although&nbsp;Ghosn's French,&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;and Brazilian passports are with lawyers in&nbsp;Japan.

The French and&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;foreign ministries have said they were unaware of the circumstances of his journey.

Lebanon has no extradition agreement with&nbsp;Japan.

Ghosn&nbsp;was first arrested in Tokyo in November 2018 and faces four charges,&nbsp;which he denies,&nbsp;including hiding income and enriching himself through payments to car dealerships in the Middle East.

He has enjoyed an outpouring of support from Lebanon since his 2018 arrest, with billboards proclaiming, "We are all Carlos&nbsp;Ghosn" erected in solidarity with his case.

Under the terms of his bail, he had been confined to his house in Tokyo and had to have cameras installed at the entrance. He was prevented from communicating with his wife, Carole, and had his use of the internet and other communications curtailed.

The&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said the&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;ambassador to&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;had visited him daily while he was in detention.

While some&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;media have floated a Houdini-like account of&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;being packed in a wooden container for musical instruments&nbsp;after&nbsp;a private concert in his home, his wife called the account "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ousted-nissan-chief-carlos-ghosn-flies-to-lebanon-271146">fiction</a>".

She declined to provide details of the exit of one of the most recognised titans of industry. The accounts of the two&nbsp;sources&nbsp;suggest a carefully planned escape known only to a few.

They said a private security firm oversaw the plan, which involved shuttling&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;out via a private jet to Istanbul before pushing onward to Beirut, with even the pilot unaware of&nbsp;Ghosn's presence on board.

An attorney for&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;said he would hold a news conference in Beirut on January&nbsp;8. The&nbsp;sources&nbsp;close to&nbsp;Ghosn, however, said a date for the news conference had yet to be finalised. They said&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;was unwilling to share details of his escape so as not to jeopardise those who aided him in&nbsp;Japan.

He is staying at the home of a relative of his wife, but plans to return soon to a gated villa in the upscale Beirut neighbourhood of Achrafieh, one of the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

Nissan sacked&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;as chairman, saying internal investigations revealed misconduct including understating his salary while he was its chief executive, and transferring $5 million of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japanese-auto-major-nissan-orders-drastic-spending-cuts-271085">Nissan</a> funds to an account in which he had an interest.

In Lebanon,&nbsp;Ghosn&nbsp;is considered a poster boy for success in a country where rampant unemployment pushes young&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;abroad to find work and the economy relies heavily on remittances amid a deep financial crisis that has sparked a wave of protests.

Ghosn&nbsp;was born in Brazil of&nbsp;Lebanese&nbsp;descent and lived in Lebanon as a child. He oversaw a turnaround at French carmaker Renault that won him the nickname "Le Cost Killer" and used similar&nbsp;methods to revive Nissan.

Fugitive former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn met Lebanon's president after fleeing from Japan, where he was smuggled out of house arrest by a private security company, two sources close to Ghosn said on Wednesday.

Fugitive former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn met Lebanon's president after fleeing from Japan, where he was smuggled out of house arrest by a private security company, two sources close to Ghosn said on Wednesday. Also Watch: 'The Great Escape' of Carlos Ghosn × One of the sources said Ghosn was greeted warmly by President Michel Aoun on Monday after flying into Beirut via Istanbul and was now in a buoyant and combative mood and felt secure. The plan to slip Ghosn out of Japan, which marked the latest twist in a year-old saga that has shaken the global auto industry, was crafted over three months, the two sources said. "It was a very professional operation from start to finish," one of them said. In his meeting at the presidency, Ghosn thanked Aoun for the support he had given him and his wife Carole while he was in detention, the sources said. He now needs the protection and security of his government after fleeing Japan, the sources added. The meeting between Aoun and Ghosn has not been made public and a media adviser to the president's office denied the two men had met. The two sources said specifics of the meeting were described to them by Ghosn. Ghosn could not be reached for comment on the meeting and has been silent publicly other than to issue a written statement shortly after his arrival saying he had "escaped injustice and political persecution." Lebanese officials have said there would be no need to take legal measures against Ghosn because he entered the country legally on a French passport, although Ghosn's French, Lebanese and Brazilian passports are with lawyers in Japan. The French and Lebanese foreign ministries have said they were unaware of the circumstances of his journey. Lebanon has no extradition agreement with Japan. Ghosn was first arrested in Tokyo in November 2018 and faces four charges, which he denies, including hiding income and enriching himself through payments to car dealerships in the Middle East. He has enjoyed an outpouring of support from Lebanon since his 2018 arrest, with billboards proclaiming, "We are all Carlos Ghosn" erected in solidarity with his case. Under the terms of his bail, he had been confined to his house in Tokyo and had to have cameras installed at the entrance. He was prevented from communicating with his wife, Carole, and had his use of the internet and other communications curtailed. The sources said the Lebanese ambassador to Japan had visited him daily while he was in detention. While some Lebanese media have floated a Houdini-like account of Ghosn being packed in a wooden container for musical instruments after a private concert in his home, his wife called the account "fiction". She declined to provide details of the exit of one of the most recognised titans of industry. The accounts of the two sources suggest a carefully planned escape known only to a few. They said a private security firm oversaw the plan, which involved shuttling Ghosn out via a private jet to Istanbul before pushing onward to Beirut, with even the pilot unaware of Ghosn's presence on board. An attorney for Ghosn said he would hold a news conference in Beirut on January 8. The sources close to Ghosn, however, said a date for the news conference had yet to be finalised. They said Ghosn was unwilling to share details of his escape so as not to jeopardise those who aided him in Japan. He is staying at the home of a relative of his wife, but plans to return soon to a gated villa in the upscale Beirut neighbourhood of Achrafieh, one of the sources said. Nissan sacked Ghosn as chairman, saying internal investigations revealed misconduct including understating his salary while he was its chief executive, and transferring $5 million of Nissan funds to an account in which he had an interest. In Lebanon, Ghosn is considered a poster boy for success in a country where rampant unemployment pushes young Lebanese abroad to find work and the economy relies heavily on remittances amid a deep financial crisis that has sparked a wave of protests. Ghosn was born in Brazil of Lebanese descent and lived in Lebanon as a child. He oversaw a turnaround at French carmaker Renault that won him the nickname "Le Cost Killer" and used similar methods to revive Nissan.

Carlos Ghosn met Lebanese president after fleeing Japan: Sources

The Lebanese presidency said it had delayed consultations to designate a new prime minister until Thursday in response to a request from caretaker leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-hariri-may-be-named-pm-but-faces-struggle-to-form-government-268476">Saad al-Hariri</a>, who had been expected to be named premier again.

Hariri had requested the delay to the consultations, which had been scheduled for Monday, in a phone call with President Michel Aoun to allow "more consultation on the subject of the government formation", the presidency said in a statement.

There was no immediate comment from Hariri's office.

Lebanon is in urgent need of a <a href="wionews.com/world/lebanon-is-a-sinking-ship-parliament-speaker-warns-262944">new government</a> to tackle the worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war.

Hariri, who is aligned with Western and Gulf Arab states, <a href="Lebanese PM Saad al-Hariri resigns as crisis turns violent">resigned </a>as prime minister on October&nbsp;29 in response to mass protests against the ruling elite over decades of state corruption and bad governance.

He has said he would only return as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hariri-ready-to-be-lebanese-prime-minister-again-but-with-conditions-report-258873">prime minister</a> of a cabinet of specialist ministers, believing this would satisfy protesters and allow the government to address the crisis and attract foreign aid.

His political adversaries, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-president-calls-for-merit-based-government-in-nod-to-protesters-259178">Aoun </a>and the powerful, Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, say the new cabinet should include politicians alongside technocrats.

Lebanon's prime minister, who must be a Sunni Muslim, is appointed in binding consultations convened by the head of state with lawmakers. The president must designate the candidate with the greatest support among the 128 lawmakers.

Hariri has been seen as the only candidate for the position since the failure of efforts to form a consensus on several other Sunni figures, and he enjoys the backing of the Sunni religious establishment.

The Lebanese presidency said it had delayed consultations to designate a new prime minister until Thursday in response to a request from caretaker leader Saad al-Hariri, who had been expected to be named premier again.

The Lebanese presidency said it had delayed consultations to designate a new prime minister until Thursday in response to a request from caretaker leader Saad al-Hariri, who had been expected to be named premier again. Hariri had requested the delay to the consultations, which had been scheduled for Monday, in a phone call with President Michel Aoun to allow "more consultation on the subject of the government formation", the presidency said in a statement. There was no immediate comment from Hariri's office. Lebanon is in urgent need of a new government to tackle the worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. Hariri, who is aligned with Western and Gulf Arab states, resigned as prime minister on October 29 in response to mass protests against the ruling elite over decades of state corruption and bad governance. He has said he would only return as prime minister of a cabinet of specialist ministers, believing this would satisfy protesters and allow the government to address the crisis and attract foreign aid. His political adversaries, including Aoun and the powerful, Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, say the new cabinet should include politicians alongside technocrats. Lebanon's prime minister, who must be a Sunni Muslim, is appointed in binding consultations convened by the head of state with lawmakers. The president must designate the candidate with the greatest support among the 128 lawmakers. Hariri has been seen as the only candidate for the position since the failure of efforts to form a consensus on several other Sunni figures, and he enjoys the backing of the Sunni religious establishment.

Consultations to name Lebanese Prime Minister delayed until Thursday

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-pm-saad-al-hariri-resigns-as-crisis-turns-violent-258682">Saad al-Hariri&nbsp;</a>is expected to be&nbsp;named&nbsp;Lebanon's&nbsp;prime minister on Monday, but political rifts look set to hinder agreement on a new&nbsp;government&nbsp;badly needed to rescue the country from a dire economic crisis.

Hariri, a Western ally and the leading Sunni Muslim politician, is widely seen by politicians as the only candidate for the post. He quit the job in late October under pressure from protests against the political elite that has overseen decades of corruption and bad governance.

But he is at odds with Iran-backed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-protesters-continue-in-defiance-despite-hezbollah-attack-264509">Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah</a> movement and its allies, including President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-general-michel-aoun-elected-president-of-lebanon-8159">Michel Aoun</a>, over the make-up of the next&nbsp;government.

Lebanon needs a new&nbsp;government&nbsp;to pull it out of the worst economic crisis since its 1975-1990 civil war. Foreign donors will only help after there is a cabinet that can enact reforms.

Hariri&nbsp;wants to lead a cabinet of specialist ministers which he says would be able to tackle the crisis and attract foreign aid, while his opponents want a combination of politicians and experts.

Aoun's&nbsp;formal consultations with lawmakers to designate the premier, postponed from last week, are scheduled to take place on Monday despite the dispute.

"It should be clear to anyone who might nominate&nbsp;Hariri&nbsp;tomorrow that he will only&nbsp;form&nbsp;a&nbsp;government&nbsp;of specialists," a source close to&nbsp;Hariri&nbsp;told Reuters.

Aoun is required to choose the candidate with the greatest support among parliament's 128 lawmakers.

Though it was not immediately clear how many lawmakers would back&nbsp;Hariri, political sources said he would most likely be picked, barring any last-minute surprise in&nbsp;Lebanon's&nbsp;volatile politics.

Attempts to reach compromise deals on other candidates for the job of prime minister reserved for a Sunni in&nbsp;Lebanon's&nbsp;sectarian power-sharing system - have failed.

Hundreds of people protesting against the ruling elite returned to central Beirut on Sunday, despite a fierce crackdown by security forces near parliament the previous night. The security forces had fired tear gas and rubber bullets overnight at demonstrators in clashes that wounded dozens.

Saad al-Hariri is expected to be named Lebanon's prime minister on Monday, but political rifts look set to hinder agreement on a new government badly needed to rescue the country from a dire economic crisis.

Saad al-Hariri is expected to be named Lebanon's prime minister on Monday, but political rifts look set to hinder agreement on a new government badly needed to rescue the country from a dire economic crisis. Hariri, a Western ally and the leading Sunni Muslim politician, is widely seen by politicians as the only candidate for the post. He quit the job in late October under pressure from protests against the political elite that has overseen decades of corruption and bad governance. But he is at odds with Iran-backed Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah movement and its allies, including President Michel Aoun, over the make-up of the next government. Lebanon needs a new government to pull it out of the worst economic crisis since its 1975-1990 civil war. Foreign donors will only help after there is a cabinet that can enact reforms. Hariri wants to lead a cabinet of specialist ministers which he says would be able to tackle the crisis and attract foreign aid, while his opponents want a combination of politicians and experts. Aoun's formal consultations with lawmakers to designate the premier, postponed from last week, are scheduled to take place on Monday despite the dispute. "It should be clear to anyone who might nominate Hariri tomorrow that he will only form a government of specialists," a source close to Hariri told Reuters. Aoun is required to choose the candidate with the greatest support among parliament's 128 lawmakers. Though it was not immediately clear how many lawmakers would back Hariri, political sources said he would most likely be picked, barring any last-minute surprise in Lebanon's volatile politics. Attempts to reach compromise deals on other candidates for the job of prime minister reserved for a Sunni in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system - have failed. Hundreds of people protesting against the ruling elite returned to central Beirut on Sunday, despite a fierce crackdown by security forces near parliament the previous night. The security forces had fired tear gas and rubber bullets overnight at demonstrators in clashes that wounded dozens.

Lebanon's Hariri may be named PM but faces struggle to form government

Lebanon's Saad al-Hariri said on Tuesday he did not want to be prime minister of a new government, putting the onus on adversaries including the Iran-backed group Hezbollah to find an alternative who can steer the country out of crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../lebanese-protesters-clash-with-supporters-of- hezbollah-amal-in-beirut-264299">Hariri</a>, who is Lebanon's leading Sunni Muslim politician and is aligned with Western and Gulf Arab states, said his decision was final. He quit on October&nbsp;29 in the face of nationwide protests against Lebanon's ruling elite over rampant state corruption.

His decision leaves no clear frontrunner to form a government that must tackle the worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. The post is reserved for a Sunni Muslim in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system.

Five weeks since the protests began, the situation facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../lebanon-protesters-continue-in-defiance-despite -hezbollah-attack-264509">Lebanon</a> is as grave as any since the end of the civil war, raising concerns for the stability of a heavily indebted state riven by sectarianism.

Hezbollah and its allies had wanted Hariri to return as premier but rejected his demand for the formation of a cabinet of expert ministers with no political parties represented. Instead, they sought a government comprising both technocrats and politicians.

"I am sticking by the rule 'not me, rather someone else' to form a government that addresses the aspirations of the young men and women," Hariri said in a written statement.

"I have full hope and confidence, after announcing this clear and decisive decision, that the president of the republic ... will immediately call the binding parliamentary consultations" to designate a new prime minister, he said.

A prominent contractor mooted by political sources as a candidate, Samir Khatib, told Lebanese broadcaster MTV he was ready to take on the job if there was consensus in his favour.

A statement from Hariri's office denied he had proposed names currently circulating on social media and said his choice would be determined when the formal process of designating the prime minister had begun.

CONSULTATIONS

President Michel Aoun, a Maronite Christian allied to Hezbollah, must now hold official consultations with members of parliament to designate a new prime minister. The candidate with the greatest support will be nominated.

A ministerial source close to Aoun said the next government would not be of "one colour" and efforts would be made with Hariri to agree on the next prime minister.

Aoun's consultations with lawmakers are expected to be held on Thursday or Friday, the source said.

Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a political ally of Hariri, said Hariri had taken the decision after attempts to impose "unacceptable conditions" on him.

"He decided to leave the way for somebody else, which is good," Jumblatt told Reuters.

"The prime minister did his best to have an acceptable technocratic government, to find a compromise. It was rejected, so he decided to quit. Let's hope that the new one can succeed and basically concentrate on the economic crisis," he said.

The long-brewing economic crisis, which is rooted in state corruption and waste, has been exacerbated by a shortage of hard currency that has led the pegged Lebanese pound to weaken sharply on the black market.

The pound slid further on Tuesday with five foreign exchange dealers offering dollars at rates of between 2,100 and 2,130 pounds or 41 per cent&nbsp;weaker than the official rate of 1,507.5 pounds.

President Donald Trump's administration has been holding off on more than $100 million of military assistance to Lebanon already approved by Congress.

David Hale, US&nbsp;Undersecretary for Political Affairs at State Department earlier this month confirmed the freeze in his testimony during the Trump impeachment inquiries.

On Tuesday, David Schenker, US&nbsp;Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs said a review was underway but gave no further details.

Lebanon's Saad al-Hariri said on Tuesday he did not want to be prime minister of a new government, putting the onus on adversaries including the Iran-backed group Hezbollah to find an alternative who can steer the country out of crisis.

Lebanon's Saad al-Hariri said on Tuesday he did not want to be prime minister of a new government, putting the onus on adversaries including the Iran-backed group Hezbollah to find an alternative who can steer the country out of crisis. Hariri, who is Lebanon's leading Sunni Muslim politician and is aligned with Western and Gulf Arab states, said his decision was final. He quit on October 29 in the face of nationwide protests against Lebanon's ruling elite over rampant state corruption. His decision leaves no clear frontrunner to form a government that must tackle the worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. The post is reserved for a Sunni Muslim in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system. Five weeks since the protests began, the situation facing Lebanon is as grave as any since the end of the civil war, raising concerns for the stability of a heavily indebted state riven by sectarianism. Hezbollah and its allies had wanted Hariri to return as premier but rejected his demand for the formation of a cabinet of expert ministers with no political parties represented. Instead, they sought a government comprising both technocrats and politicians. "I am sticking by the rule 'not me, rather someone else' to form a government that addresses the aspirations of the young men and women," Hariri said in a written statement. "I have full hope and confidence, after announcing this clear and decisive decision, that the president of the republic ... will immediately call the binding parliamentary consultations" to designate a new prime minister, he said. A prominent contractor mooted by political sources as a candidate, Samir Khatib, told Lebanese broadcaster MTV he was ready to take on the job if there was consensus in his favour. A statement from Hariri's office denied he had proposed names currently circulating on social media and said his choice would be determined when the formal process of designating the prime minister had begun. CONSULTATIONS President Michel Aoun, a Maronite Christian allied to Hezbollah, must now hold official consultations with members of parliament to designate a new prime minister. The candidate with the greatest support will be nominated. A ministerial source close to Aoun said the next government would not be of "one colour" and efforts would be made with Hariri to agree on the next prime minister. Aoun's consultations with lawmakers are expected to be held on Thursday or Friday, the source said. Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a political ally of Hariri, said Hariri had taken the decision after attempts to impose "unacceptable conditions" on him. "He decided to leave the way for somebody else, which is good," Jumblatt told Reuters. "The prime minister did his best to have an acceptable technocratic government, to find a compromise. It was rejected, so he decided to quit. Let's hope that the new one can succeed and basically concentrate on the economic crisis," he said. The long-brewing economic crisis, which is rooted in state corruption and waste, has been exacerbated by a shortage of hard currency that has led the pegged Lebanese pound to weaken sharply on the black market. The pound slid further on Tuesday with five foreign exchange dealers offering dollars at rates of between 2,100 and 2,130 pounds or 41 per cent weaker than the official rate of 1,507.5 pounds. President Donald Trump's administration has been holding off on more than $100 million of military assistance to Lebanon already approved by Congress. David Hale, US Undersecretary for Political Affairs at State Department earlier this month confirmed the freeze in his testimony during the Trump impeachment inquiries. On Tuesday, David Schenker, US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs said a review was underway but gave no further details.

Lebanon's Hariri says he does not want be PM

President Michel Aoun said on Tuesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-banks-schools-shut-as-protesters-push-on-261582">Lebanon faced a catastrophe</a> if protesters did not go home, igniting a new wave of demonstrations during which a protester was shot and killed after an altercation with Lebanese soldiers near Beirut.

The shooting in Khaldeh south of Beirut was the first of its kind in nearly four weeks of nationwide protests against Lebanon's ruling elite, escalating tensions in a country mired in deep political and economic crisis.

The man who was killed was a member of the political party led by Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a civil war adversary of Aoun. Jumblatt urged his supporters to remain calm during a visit to the hospital where the man had been taken.

In a statement, the army said a soldier had opened fire to disperse protesters who were blocking a road in Khaldeh, wounding one person. The soldier was detained and the incident was under investigation.

Tensions flared in Beirut late into the night. In the Cola district near Beirut, dozens of men pelted stones at soldiers and a tank.

Already grappling with the worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, Lebanon has been plunged deeper into turmoil since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-protest-again-as-army-works-to-open-blocked-roads-260212">protests erupted </a>on October&nbsp;17.

In a prime time televised interview, Aoun indicated there was no breakthrough in talks over forming a new government to replace Saad al-Hariri's coalition cabinet. Hariri, who quit on October&nbsp;29, was hesitant about being prime minister again, he said.

Aoun also said a purely technocratic government, as demanded by many protesters, would not be able to govern Lebanon and so it should include politicians.

Addressing protesters in his interview, he said, "If you continue in this way, you will strike Lebanon and your interests."

"We are working day and night to get the situation in order. If they keep going, there is a catastrophe. If they stop, there is still room for (us) to fix things," he said.

As Aoun's interview was ending, protesters blocked several main roads across Lebanon, some with burning tyres.

Linda Boulos Mikari, protesting on a road north of Beirut, said Aoun's interview had brought her back onto the street.

"We are tired of the authorities always (acting) as if we are doing nothing. The president goes live and talks to us as if we are children, 'go home'. Respect us a little," she said.

Commercial banks, seeking to avoid capital flight, have been imposing tight restrictions on financial transfers out of Lebanon and US&nbsp;dollar withdrawals.

Banks, which were closed for half of October during the protests, shut their doors again on Tuesday in strike action by bank employees who are concerned about security risks posed by depositors demanding their money and protesters.

The strike will continue on Wednesday.

Aoun called on the Lebanese not to rush to the banks, saying their money was safe.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-lebanon-to-form-government-of-competence-banks-close-261669">United Nations urged Lebanon</a> to form a competent new government better able to seek international aid and warned the country was in a critical financial and economic situation.

Hariri, who is aligned with Western and Gulf Arab states, wants to be prime minister of a technocratic cabinet that he believes would be better placed to secure urgently needed international financial support, political sources have said.

But the heavily armed group Hezbollah and its ally Amal believe Hariri aims mainly to keep Hezbollah out of government, a senior source familiar with the two Shi'ite groups' view said on Sunday.

The Iran-backed Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist group by the United States. On Monday, its leader said talks were continuing over the new government and Hezbollah wanted to leave open the way for an agreement.

Aoun, a political ally of Hezbollah, said he was awaiting answers before calling formal consultations with MPs to designate the next prime minister.

"A technocrat government cannot define the policy of the country ... and I back forming a government that is half political and half technocrat," Aoun said. "I met Hariri and I found him hesitant between yes and no."

Asked if a cabinet headed by a prime minister other than Hariri and which includes Hezbollah would receive foreign support, Aoun said: "This is an issue that can also be solved."

"I will not give you the solution while I am here on television."

President Michel Aoun said on Tuesday Lebanon faced a catastrophe if protesters did not go home, igniting a new wave of demonstrations during which a protester was shot and killed after an altercation with Lebanese soldiers near Beirut.

President Michel Aoun said on Tuesday Lebanon faced a catastrophe if protesters did not go home, igniting a new wave of demonstrations during which a protester was shot and killed after an altercation with Lebanese soldiers near Beirut. The shooting in Khaldeh south of Beirut was the first of its kind in nearly four weeks of nationwide protests against Lebanon's ruling elite, escalating tensions in a country mired in deep political and economic crisis. The man who was killed was a member of the political party led by Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a civil war adversary of Aoun. Jumblatt urged his supporters to remain calm during a visit to the hospital where the man had been taken. In a statement, the army said a soldier had opened fire to disperse protesters who were blocking a road in Khaldeh, wounding one person. The soldier was detained and the incident was under investigation. Tensions flared in Beirut late into the night. In the Cola district near Beirut, dozens of men pelted stones at soldiers and a tank. Already grappling with the worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, Lebanon has been plunged deeper into turmoil since the protests erupted on October 17. In a prime time televised interview, Aoun indicated there was no breakthrough in talks over forming a new government to replace Saad al-Hariri's coalition cabinet. Hariri, who quit on October 29, was hesitant about being prime minister again, he said. Aoun also said a purely technocratic government, as demanded by many protesters, would not be able to govern Lebanon and so it should include politicians. Addressing protesters in his interview, he said, "If you continue in this way, you will strike Lebanon and your interests." "We are working day and night to get the situation in order. If they keep going, there is a catastrophe. If they stop, there is still room for (us) to fix things," he said. As Aoun's interview was ending, protesters blocked several main roads across Lebanon, some with burning tyres. Linda Boulos Mikari, protesting on a road north of Beirut, said Aoun's interview had brought her back onto the street. "We are tired of the authorities always (acting) as if we are doing nothing. The president goes live and talks to us as if we are children, 'go home'. Respect us a little," she said. Commercial banks, seeking to avoid capital flight, have been imposing tight restrictions on financial transfers out of Lebanon and US dollar withdrawals. Banks, which were closed for half of October during the protests, shut their doors again on Tuesday in strike action by bank employees who are concerned about security risks posed by depositors demanding their money and protesters. The strike will continue on Wednesday. Aoun called on the Lebanese not to rush to the banks, saying their money was safe. The United Nations urged Lebanon to form a competent new government better able to seek international aid and warned the country was in a critical financial and economic situation. Hariri, who is aligned with Western and Gulf Arab states, wants to be prime minister of a technocratic cabinet that he believes would be better placed to secure urgently needed international financial support, political sources have said. But the heavily armed group Hezbollah and its ally Amal believe Hariri aims mainly to keep Hezbollah out of government, a senior source familiar with the two Shi'ite groups' view said on Sunday. The Iran-backed Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist group by the United States. On Monday, its leader said talks were continuing over the new government and Hezbollah wanted to leave open the way for an agreement. Aoun, a political ally of Hezbollah, said he was awaiting answers before calling formal consultations with MPs to designate the next prime minister. "A technocrat government cannot define the policy of the country ... and I back forming a government that is half political and half technocrat," Aoun said. "I met Hariri and I found him hesitant between yes and no." Asked if a cabinet headed by a prime minister other than Hariri and which includes Hezbollah would receive foreign support, Aoun said: "This is an issue that can also be solved." "I will not give you the solution while I am here on television."

Man killed as protests sweep Lebanon after Aoun interview

Demonstrators in Lebanon tried to block key roads Monday after a weekend of mass rallies confirmed that political promises had failed to extinguish the unprecedented protest movement.

In a now almost daily game of cat-and-mouse with riot police, increasingly organised protesters erected temporary roadblocks using dumpsters and parked vehicles.

In the capital Beirut, they sat cross-legged on a key flyover and gathered near the Central Bank, which protesters blame for fuelling Lebanon's economic crisis.

Schools had been due to reopen on Monday after weeks of sporadic closures, but some remained shuttered as much of the country remained on partial lockdown for a third Monday.&nbsp;

Unprecedented cross-sectarian demonstrations have gripped Lebanon since October 17, demanding a complete overhaul of a political system deemed inefficient and corrupt.

The nationwide street movement has brought down the government, in what is regarded as its first major win.

Protesters have however vowed to keep up the street movement until all their demands are met, including the formation of a technocratic government.

Yusef Fadel, a demonstrator, ruled out the possibility that the next government could also include party loyalists.&nbsp;

"I reiterate, we are demanding a technocratic government and not a techno-partisan one," said the 25-year-old who holds a masters degree in finance but remains unemployed.

"We need new blood."

Lebanon's president has said the country's next cabinet should include ministers picked on skills, not political affiliation, seemingly endorsing protester demands.&nbsp;

On Sunday, tens of thousands took to the streets, calling for an end to President Michel Aoun's tenure, as well as the removal of a political system dominated by the same figures and families since the end of the civil war.

The mobilisation followed a large rally organised by Aoun supporters in front of the presidential palace.

Demonstrators in Lebanon tried to block key roads Monday after a weekend of mass rallies confirmed that political promises had failed to extinguish the unprecedented protest movement.

Demonstrators in Lebanon tried to block key roads Monday after a weekend of mass rallies confirmed that political promises had failed to extinguish the unprecedented protest movement. In a now almost daily game of cat-and-mouse with riot police, increasingly organised protesters erected temporary roadblocks using dumpsters and parked vehicles. In the capital Beirut, they sat cross-legged on a key flyover and gathered near the Central Bank, which protesters blame for fuelling Lebanon's economic crisis. Schools had been due to reopen on Monday after weeks of sporadic closures, but some remained shuttered as much of the country remained on partial lockdown for a third Monday. Unprecedented cross-sectarian demonstrations have gripped Lebanon since October 17, demanding a complete overhaul of a political system deemed inefficient and corrupt. The nationwide street movement has brought down the government, in what is regarded as its first major win. Protesters have however vowed to keep up the street movement until all their demands are met, including the formation of a technocratic government. Yusef Fadel, a demonstrator, ruled out the possibility that the next government could also include party loyalists. "I reiterate, we are demanding a technocratic government and not a techno-partisan one," said the 25-year-old who holds a masters degree in finance but remains unemployed. "We need new blood." Lebanon's president has said the country's next cabinet should include ministers picked on skills, not political affiliation, seemingly endorsing protester demands. On Sunday, tens of thousands took to the streets, calling for an end to President Michel Aoun's tenure, as well as the removal of a political system dominated by the same figures and families since the end of the civil war. The mobilisation followed a large rally organised by Aoun supporters in front of the presidential palace.

Roads blocked as Lebanon protesters battle on

Lebanese President Michel Aoun called on Thursday (October 31) for the formation of a new government of technocrats following the resignation of prime minister Saad al-Hariri amid nationwide protests against a sectarian elite blamed for mishandling the economy.

Lebanon's president pledges new cabinet of technocrats, protesters react

Security forces fired tear gas and chased down protesters in Beirut on Friday after tens of thousands of people across<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/anti-government-protests-sweep-lebanon-amid-economic-emergency-256719"> Lebanon </a>marched to demand the demise of a political elite they accuse of looting the economy to the point of collapse.

Riot police in vehicles and on foot rounded up protesters, according to Reuters witnesses. They fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters, dispersing demonstrators in Beirut's commercial district. Dozens of people were wounded and detained.

Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri blamed his partners in government for obstructing reforms that could ward off economic crisis and gave them a 72-hour deadline to stop blocking him, otherwise hinting he may resign.

Hariri, addressing protesters, said Lebanon was going through an "unprecedented, difficult time".

Lebanon's biggest protests in a decade recall the 2011 Arab revolts that toppled four presidents. Lebanese from all sects and walks of life have come out on to the streets, waving banners and chanting slogans urging Hariri's government to go.

The rallies follow warnings by economists and investors that Lebanon's economy and graft-riddled financial system are closer to the brink than at any time since the war-torn 1980s.

"There are those who have placed obstacles in front of me ... and in the face of all the efforts that I have proposed for reform," Hariri said, without naming names.

"Whatever the solution, we no longer have time and I am personally giving myself only a little time. Either our partners in government and in the nation give a frank response to the solution, or I will have another say," he said.

"The deadline left is very short. It's 72 hours."

'Step down'

Protesters poured through villages and towns as well as the capital Beirut for a second day. No political leader, Muslim or Christian, was spared their wrath.

Their chants called for leaders including Hariri, President Michel Aoun, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to step down.

The mood was a mixture of rage, defiance and hope.

As night fell, crowds waving Lebanese flags marched through the streets as patriotic music blared from loudspeakers. They shouted: "Our demands are one, our objective is one: the people want the downfall of the regime."

Some protesters fainted as security forces fired tear gas. The Red Cross said its teams had treated 160 people wounded in protests since Thursday evening.

"You should be protecting us. Shame on you," a young man yelled as he covered his face against the choking fumes.

Lebanon's internal security apparatus said 52 police were injured on Friday and its forces arrested 70 people.

Some protesters, including men in black hoods, blocked roads, set tyres on fire and used iron bars to smash storefronts in Beirut's posh downtown district.

As fires blazed, some streets in the capital looked like a battlefield, strewn with rubber bullets, smashed up cars, broken glass and torn billboards. Firefighters struggled late into the night to douse the flames.

With demonstrators crowding around Aoun's palace in Baabda, the United Nations urged all sides to refrain from actions that could lead to more tensions and violence.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates warned their citizens against travelling to Lebanon. Bahrain told its nationals to leave at once.

'Totally corrupt'

Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, Aoun's son-in-law, also blamed other parties for blocking reforms, saying the government must work to stop corruption and avoid imposing new taxes.

The latest unrest erupted out of anger over the rising cost of living and new tax plans, including a fee on WhatsApp calls.

"We came to the streets because we can no longer bear this situation. This regime is totally corrupt," said Fadi Issa, 51, who marched with his son. "They are all thieves, they come into the government to fill their pockets, not to serve the country."

In an unprecedented move, Shi'ite protesters also attacked the offices of their deputies from the influential Hezbollah and Amal movements in southern Lebanon.

To boost revenues, a government minister on Thursday unveiled a new fee for WhatsApp calls that fuelled outrage. But as the protests spread hours later, Telecoms Minister Mohamed Choucair revoked the planned levy.

In a country fractured along sectarian lines, the unusually wide geographic reach of the protests highlights the deepening anger of the Lebanese. The government, which includes nearly all Lebanon's main parties, has repeatedly failed to implement the reforms needed to fix the national finances.

Foreign allies have pressured Hariri to enact reforms long-promised but never delivered because of vested interests.

Shattered by war between 1975 and 1990, Lebanon has proportionally one of the world's highest debt burdens. Economic growth has been hit by regional conflict, while unemployment among the under-35s runs at 37%.

Sectarian politicians, many of them civil war militia leaders, have used state resources for their own benefit and are reluctant to give that up.

Security forces fired tear gas and chased down protesters in Beirut on Friday after tens of thousands of people across Lebanon marched to demand the demise of a political elite they accuse of looting the economy to the point of collapse.

Security forces fired tear gas and chased down protesters in Beirut on Friday after tens of thousands of people across Lebanon marched to demand the demise of a political elite they accuse of looting the economy to the point of collapse. Riot police in vehicles and on foot rounded up protesters, according to Reuters witnesses. They fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters, dispersing demonstrators in Beirut's commercial district. Dozens of people were wounded and detained. Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri blamed his partners in government for obstructing reforms that could ward off economic crisis and gave them a 72-hour deadline to stop blocking him, otherwise hinting he may resign. Hariri, addressing protesters, said Lebanon was going through an "unprecedented, difficult time". Lebanon's biggest protests in a decade recall the 2011 Arab revolts that toppled four presidents. Lebanese from all sects and walks of life have come out on to the streets, waving banners and chanting slogans urging Hariri's government to go. The rallies follow warnings by economists and investors that Lebanon's economy and graft-riddled financial system are closer to the brink than at any time since the war-torn 1980s. "There are those who have placed obstacles in front of me ... and in the face of all the efforts that I have proposed for reform," Hariri said, without naming names. "Whatever the solution, we no longer have time and I am personally giving myself only a little time. Either our partners in government and in the nation give a frank response to the solution, or I will have another say," he said. "The deadline left is very short. It's 72 hours." 'Step down' Protesters poured through villages and towns as well as the capital Beirut for a second day. No political leader, Muslim or Christian, was spared their wrath. Their chants called for leaders including Hariri, President Michel Aoun, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to step down. The mood was a mixture of rage, defiance and hope. As night fell, crowds waving Lebanese flags marched through the streets as patriotic music blared from loudspeakers. They shouted: "Our demands are one, our objective is one: the people want the downfall of the regime." Some protesters fainted as security forces fired tear gas. The Red Cross said its teams had treated 160 people wounded in protests since Thursday evening. "You should be protecting us. Shame on you," a young man yelled as he covered his face against the choking fumes. Lebanon's internal security apparatus said 52 police were injured on Friday and its forces arrested 70 people. Some protesters, including men in black hoods, blocked roads, set tyres on fire and used iron bars to smash storefronts in Beirut's posh downtown district. As fires blazed, some streets in the capital looked like a battlefield, strewn with rubber bullets, smashed up cars, broken glass and torn billboards. Firefighters struggled late into the night to douse the flames. With demonstrators crowding around Aoun's palace in Baabda, the United Nations urged all sides to refrain from actions that could lead to more tensions and violence. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates warned their citizens against travelling to Lebanon. Bahrain told its nationals to leave at once. 'Totally corrupt' Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, Aoun's son-in-law, also blamed other parties for blocking reforms, saying the government must work to stop corruption and avoid imposing new taxes. The latest unrest erupted out of anger over the rising cost of living and new tax plans, including a fee on WhatsApp calls. "We came to the streets because we can no longer bear this situation. This regime is totally corrupt," said Fadi Issa, 51, who marched with his son. "They are all thieves, they come into the government to fill their pockets, not to serve the country." In an unprecedented move, Shi'ite protesters also attacked the offices of their deputies from the influential Hezbollah and Amal movements in southern Lebanon. To boost revenues, a government minister on Thursday unveiled a new fee for WhatsApp calls that fuelled outrage. But as the protests spread hours later, Telecoms Minister Mohamed Choucair revoked the planned levy. In a country fractured along sectarian lines, the unusually wide geographic reach of the protests highlights the deepening anger of the Lebanese. The government, which includes nearly all Lebanon's main parties, has repeatedly failed to implement the reforms needed to fix the national finances. Foreign allies have pressured Hariri to enact reforms long-promised but never delivered because of vested interests. Shattered by war between 1975 and 1990, Lebanon has proportionally one of the world's highest debt burdens. Economic growth has been hit by regional conflict, while unemployment among the under-35s runs at 37%. Sectarian politicians, many of them civil war militia leaders, have used state resources for their own benefit and are reluctant to give that up.

Protests sweep Lebanon as fury at ruling elite grows over economic corruption

Iran on Tuesday freed a Lebanese national arrested in 2015 and sentenced to 10 years in jail on charges of spying for Washington, Lebanon's security services said Tuesday.

"General Security chief Abbas Ibrahim en route from Tehran to Lebanon, accompanied by Nizar Zakka, after his release by Iranian authorities," the security service said in a statement posted on social media.

It also posted a picture of Ibrahim and Zakka aboard what appeared to be a private aircraft.&nbsp;

Both are due to meet President Michel Aoun at the presidential palace near Beirut shortly after arrival, the statement said.&nbsp;

The news comes hours after Iran's judiciary said it had approved Zakka's release.

"The relevant court has agreed to Nizar Zakka's conditional release and he will be handed over to Lebanese authorities," its Mizan Online website quoted spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili as saying.

"According to the law, those who are sentenced to up to 10 years in jail, if they have served at least one-third of their sentence and shown good behaviour" can be released conditionally.

According to Esmaili, Aoun had requested Zakka's release "in writing" and Iran's Lebanese ally Hezbollah had said it would be "expedient".

"This is an absolutely judicial procedure and no political issue has been involved," Esmaili was quoted by Iran's Tasnim news agency as saying.

A resident of the United States in his 50s, Zakka was arrested in September 2015 during a visit to Iran, where he was convicted the following July.

At the time of his arrest, Iranian state television said he was accused of "deep ties to the military and intelligence services of the United States".

It broadcast photographs of a man in military uniform it said was of Zakka at a US base.

At the end of 2017, Iranian appeal courts upheld his 10-year jail sentence as well as those of an American and two Iranian-Americans accused of "collaboration" with the United States.

Iran and the United States broke diplomatic ties in 1980 in the aftermath of the Islamic revolution. Relations have deteriorated sharply since US President Donald Trump took office in January 2017.

Iran on Tuesday freed a Lebanese national arrested in 2015 and sentenced to 10 years in jail on charges of spying for Washington, Lebanon's security services said Tuesday.

Iran on Tuesday freed a Lebanese national arrested in 2015 and sentenced to 10 years in jail on charges of spying for Washington, Lebanon's security services said Tuesday. "General Security chief Abbas Ibrahim en route from Tehran to Lebanon, accompanied by Nizar Zakka, after his release by Iranian authorities," the security service said in a statement posted on social media. It also posted a picture of Ibrahim and Zakka aboard what appeared to be a private aircraft. Both are due to meet President Michel Aoun at the presidential palace near Beirut shortly after arrival, the statement said. The news comes hours after Iran's judiciary said it had approved Zakka's release. "The relevant court has agreed to Nizar Zakka's conditional release and he will be handed over to Lebanese authorities," its Mizan Online website quoted spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili as saying. "According to the law, those who are sentenced to up to 10 years in jail, if they have served at least one-third of their sentence and shown good behaviour" can be released conditionally. According to Esmaili, Aoun had requested Zakka's release "in writing" and Iran's Lebanese ally Hezbollah had said it would be "expedient". "This is an absolutely judicial procedure and no political issue has been involved," Esmaili was quoted by Iran's Tasnim news agency as saying. A resident of the United States in his 50s, Zakka was arrested in September 2015 during a visit to Iran, where he was convicted the following July. At the time of his arrest, Iranian state television said he was accused of "deep ties to the military and intelligence services of the United States". It broadcast photographs of a man in military uniform it said was of Zakka at a US base. At the end of 2017, Iranian appeal courts upheld his 10-year jail sentence as well as those of an American and two Iranian-Americans accused of "collaboration" with the United States. Iran and the United States broke diplomatic ties in 1980 in the aftermath of the Islamic revolution. Relations have deteriorated sharply since US President Donald Trump took office in January 2017.

Iran frees Lebanese national convicted of spying for US

Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia had detained Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, the first time he had said so publicly, and called it an act of aggression against Lebanon.

&quot;Nothing justifies Hariri&#39;s lack of return for 12 days. We, therefore, consider him detained. This is a violation of the Vienna agreements and human rights law,&quot; Aoun said at a meeting with Lebanese journalists and media executives.

&quot;We cannot wait longer and lose time. Affairs of state cannot be stopped,&quot; Aoun added on Twitter.

Hariri resigned as prime minister on Nov. 4 in a video broadcast from Saudi Arabia and has yet to return to Lebanon. Aoun has said he will not accept the resignation until Hariri returns to Lebanon and submits it in person.

On Wednesday Hariri repeated he would return home.

&quot;I want to repeat and affirm that I am perfectly fine and I will return, God willing, to dear Lebanon as I promised you, you&#39;ll see,&quot; he wrote on Twitter.

Aoun had said on Sunday that Hariri&#39;s freedom was being restricted in Riyadh, casting doubt over anything that Hariri says. Aoun&#39;s comments on Wednesday went further, saying for the first time that Hariri was being held.

Saudi Arabia denies holding Hariri against his will or putting pressure on him to resign. In his first public comments since his resignation, an interview given on Sunday to a television station he owns, Hariri said he was free to travel and planned to return to Lebanon within days.

'Nothing justifies Hariri's lack of return for 12 days. We, therefore, consider him detained. This is a violation of the Vienna agreements and human rights law,' Lebanon President Michael Aoun said

Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia had detained Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, the first time he had said so publicly, and called it an act of aggression against Lebanon. "Nothing justifies Hariri's lack of return for 12 days. We, therefore, consider him detained. This is a violation of the Vienna agreements and human rights law," Aoun said at a meeting with Lebanese journalists and media executives. "We cannot wait longer and lose time. Affairs of state cannot be stopped," Aoun added on Twitter. Hariri resigned as prime minister on Nov. 4 in a video broadcast from Saudi Arabia and has yet to return to Lebanon. Aoun has said he will not accept the resignation until Hariri returns to Lebanon and submits it in person. On Wednesday Hariri repeated he would return home. "I want to repeat and affirm that I am perfectly fine and I will return, God willing, to dear Lebanon as I promised you, you'll see," he wrote on Twitter. Aoun had said on Sunday that Hariri's freedom was being restricted in Riyadh, casting doubt over anything that Hariri says. Aoun's comments on Wednesday went further, saying for the first time that Hariri was being held. Saudi Arabia denies holding Hariri against his will or putting pressure on him to resign. In his first public comments since his resignation, an interview given on Sunday to a television station he owns, Hariri said he was free to travel and planned to return to Lebanon within days.

Lebanon President says Saudi Arabia holding Hariri, calls it aggression: Reports

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