Macron reassures protesters after meeting Lebanon's symbol of unity, singer Fairouz

FILE PHOTO: Lebanese singer Fairouz performs during a concert at Sahel Alma east of Beirut December 9, 2011. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo

BEIRUT (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron began his trip to Beirut on Monday by visiting Fairouz, one of the Arab world's most famous singers whose haunting voice has been Lebanon's soundtrack from its glamorous heyday through its conflicts and latest trauma.

Anger at Lebanon's political elite over an economic meltdown and this month's devastating port blast was evident as Macron arrived at the home of the 85-year old artist, feted as a national treasure and symbol of peace, transcending factional and sectarian divides in Lebanon and beyond.