Abbas Meets Berri, Miqati: Refugee Camps Don't Need Arms as They are Protected by Lebanese State
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stressed on Thursday that the Palestinian Authority does not meddle in the affairs of Arab countries, including those of Lebanon.
He said: “We are in no need of weapons because we are protected by the Lebanese government and people.”
He made his remarks after holding talks at the Grand Serail with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati.
“We are open to whatever Lebanese decision is taken to control the arms in the Palestinian refugee camps,” Abbas added.
For his part, Miqati hailed Abbas' position, hoping that Palestinians would respect the Palestinian Authority's decision that they refrain from interfering in Lebanese internal affairs.
“Lebanon is suffering from the burden of Syrian and Palestinian refugee … and we hope that the Palestinian refugees would not take sides in the crisis in the neighboring country,” he remarked.
Abbas later headed to Ain el-Tineh where he held talks with Speaker Nabih Berri.
He reiterated after the meeting his respect for the all decisions taken by official Lebanese authorities over the Palestinian refugees.
“In Lebanon, we are most concerned with the country's stability and security,” he remarked.
“We are temporary guests in Lebanon and we hope that we may soon return to our homeland,” he explained.
“We must abide by Lebanon's rules as long as we are its guests,” said Abbas.
The Palestinian president arrived in Lebanon on Wednesday on a three-day visit where he is set to meet with a number of senior officials.
He kicked off the trip by holding talks with President Michel Suleiman at the Baabda Palace.
By long-standing convention, the Lebanese army does not enter the country's 12 refugee camps, leaving security inside to the Palestinians themselves.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://mobile.naharnet.com/stories/en/89325 |