Germany’s Heiko Maas warns against political destabilization in Lebanon

Lebanese couture is revered around the world for its flamboyance and artistry, with collections destined for clients based in Saudi Arabia, the Emirates and the US. But in recent months, a crippling economic crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic and of course August's catastrophic Beirut port explosion have threatened the industry like never before. Some of the biggest names in Beirut fashion, including the likes of Elie Saab and Tony Ward, spoke to FRANCE 24 about their experience of the past few months.

The UN and France have said an emergency aid fund will be set up to help Lebanon cope with reconstruction after the Beirut port blast. However, long-term economic support depends on forming a viable new government.

Lebanese launch lanterns in Beirut's Gemmayzeh neighbourhood during the lighting of a Christmas tree, in memory of the victims of the devastating August explosion at the Port of Beirut. Firefighters stand in front of the Christmas tree created by Lebanese artist Hayat Nazer and decorated with uniforms of firefighters and rescue workers as a way to pay tribute to those who died in the blast.

The German Foreign Minister has said Israel has the right to defend itself against "this massive and unacceptable attack." He is visiting Israel and calling for a cease-fire.

Ahead of a global summit in Rome on combating the "Islamic State," the German foreign minister said the militant group "has been pushed back, but not defeated."

The US has backed patent waivers for coronavirus shots, something Germany has so far opposed. But on a visit to a Pfizer facility in Michigan, the foreign minister seemed open to the idea.

Top Lebanese officials had been warned about the dangers of chemicals stored in the port yet failed to act to prevent the tragedy, according to a report from Human Rights Watch.

After their small daughter was killed in Beirut's devastating port explosion, one Lebanese couple are fighting for an explanation — and to get their country back.

The August 4 blast that thundered through Beirut levelled entire neighbourhoods, killed more than 200 people, wounded 6,500 others and pummelled the lives of survivors. A year later, AFP caught up with some survivors who spoke about the lasting trauma left behind by the explosion.

Lebanese march towards Beirut port to mark a year since a cataclysmic explosion ravaged the city, protesting impunity over the country's worst peacetime disaster at a time when its economy was already in tatters.

Over the next four days, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas will head to five countries — all of which have a role to play in the effort to get those in need of protection out of Afghanistan.

Jorge Moreira has been charged with terrorism and murder in Lebanon over his role in bringing ammonium nitrate explosives into the country. The August 2020 blast killed over 200 people and devastated entire suburbs.