BEIRUT, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese officials expressed deep sorrow over the major fire that has engulfed the medieval cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, one of France's most famous landmarks.
"This is a humanitarian and cultural disaster that cannot be described," Prime Minister Saad Hariri was quoted as saying by the National News Agency on Tuesday, expressing Lebanon's solidarity with the French people.
Walid Jumblatt, leader of Progressive Socialist Party Leader, tweeted that fire cannot burn Notre Dame which represents life.
Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil said he cannot imagine Paris without Notre Dame Cathedral.
"It will rise again. I am sure," he said.
Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil said "it saddens us to watch the burning of a historic and civilizational landmark that is fundamental to France and the world."
Meanwhile, French Ambassador to Lebanon Bruno Foucher expressed gratefulness for the Lebanese support, saying there is no masterpiece in the cathedral that cannot be repaired.
A major fire on Monday engulfed the 850-year-old Gothic building Notre Dame Cathedral, resulting in the collapse of its spire and roof, but the main structure, including the two bell towers, has been saved.
