BEIRUT, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Security at Lebanon's Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday insisted on inspecting the plane carrying former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, local media reported.

The bodyguards accompanying Sarkozy refused to allow the inspection of the plane before leaving for France, but the airport's security insisted on doing the routine inspection, Elnashra, an independent online newspaper, quoted airport sources as saying.

The sources said that these were normal procedures and Sarkozy should submit to such measures since he was not on an official visit to Lebanon.

Sarkozy arrived in Lebanon on Sunday with his wife Bruni, who as a singer performed at the 33rd annual Beiteddine Art Festival on Monday.

The concert was attended by Prime Minister-Designate Saad Hariri and caretaker Culture Minister Ghattas Khoury.

During the visit, Sarkozy also met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun to discuss a wide range of domestic and regional developments.

The Beiteddine Art Festival began earlier this month, showcasing a series of performers. Shows will continue until August 11.