Macron says aid to blast-stricken Lebanon will not go to 'corrupt hands'

A man stands near the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area, Lebanon August 6, 2020. REUTERS/Issam Abdallah

BEIRUT (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday promised aid to Lebanon but reassured angry citizens reeling from a blast that killed 145 people that no blank cheques will be given to its leaders unless they enact reforms and end rife corruption.

Speaking at a news conference at the end of a dramatic visit to Beirut, Macron called for an international inquiry into the devastating explosion that generated a seismic shock felt across the region, saying it was an urgent signal to carry out anti-corruption reforms demanded by a furious population.