WEB DESK

macronFrench President Emmanuel Macron has said he will stress on the importance of stability in Lebanon. Speaking in the United Arab Emirates shortly before departing for Saudi Arabia, Mr Macron said he would emphasise the importance of Lebanese stability and integrity. He said his wish is that all Lebanese political officials live freely in Lebanon.

This comes after Lebanese PM Saad Hariri resigned on Saturday while in Riyadh, saying he feared for his life. The French President said that he had been in informal contact with Mr Hariri. Macron would hold face-to-face talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Macron also said he would discuss the crisis in Yemen with Saudi leaders, after the Saudi-led coalition shut all aid routes to the war-torn nation. The blockade was imposed on Monday after a missile was fired from Yemen at Riyadh.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia yesterday asked its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country immediately. Kuwait also issued a similar statement asking its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country.