Beirut live: France's Macron warns Iran against interfering in Lebanon

Pressure mounts on Lebanese politicians as German Foreign Minister calls on next government to deliver reforms

A banner with representations of the Lebanese flag hangs on a damaged building in a neighbourhood near the scene of last week's explosion that hit the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, August 12, 2020. AP PhotoShow less

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday warned Iran against meddling in Lebanon in the wake of the devastating blast on August 4.

In a call with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, Mr Macron stressed the need to "support the putting in place of a government that can manage the emergency".

Meanwhile, politicians in Beirut rushed to form a new government to satisfy western powers who are wary of providing bailout funds despite the risk of Lebanon becoming a failed state.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, during a visit to Beirut on Tuesday, spoke in business terms about any bailout.

“The international community is ready to invest but needs securities for these investments," Mr Maas said.

"It is important to have a government that fights the corruption."

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