Palestinian, Lebanese presidents call for distancing refugees from Syrian crisis' repercussions

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman stressed on Wednesday the importance of distancing Palestinians from Lebanese conflicts, praising efforts exerted to prevent the involvement of Palestinian factions in the latest clashes that took place in the Lebanese southern city of Sidon.         

During a press conference at the Baabda Presidential Palace held with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas, who is on a three day visit to Beirut, President Sleiman reiterated his support to the Palestinians’ right of return.                      

Sleiman added that he agreed with President Abbas on the importance of finding solutions to the crises sweeping across the Arab world and maintaining co-existence among citizens on the basis of coexistence.                       

For his part, President Abbas said the presence of Palestinian weapons in Lebanon is a decision in the hands of the Lebanese authorities adding that Palestinian factions abide by the decisions of Lebanese authorities in regards to the possession of arms in refugee camps.                  

Abbas added that the presence of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon is temporary; stressing that Palestinian authorities are not seeking naturalization.
                     
On another note, President Abbas called for distancing the refugees from the repercussions of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon, and mentioned that they are not taking sides.             

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived on Wednesday to Beirut for a 3-day official visit.          

He was received at Beirut International Airport by Deputy Premier Samir Mokbel, representing Lebanese President Michel Sleiman, Caretaker Minister of Displaced Alaa Eddine Terro, Palestinian Ambassador to Lebanon Ashraf Dabbour, and representatives of various Palestinian groups in Lebanon.