Abbas in Lebanon discusses Palestinian refugees

The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been visiting Lebanon. Greeted by President Michel Suleiman, he also met Prime Minister Fuad Siniora and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri during his two day trip.

Among the topics they discussed were Islamic militants and the future of the estimated 400,000 Palestinians living in Lebanese refugee camps, which were set up when Israel was created in 1948.

Palestinian from those camps turned out to welcome Abbas and complain about their plight. Bahiya Shuraih, a long time resident of the Bourj El Barajneh camp, said: “We want to ask Abbas to improve the living conditions for Palestinians everywhere, and to improve our situation as Palestinians in Lebanon. Because there’s no work for our young people. And most importantly we want to go back to Palestine.”

Abbas said all Palestinians should have the right to leave the crowded camps and return home.He added that is something that is under discussion with the Israelis. The issue of Right of return has long been a sticking-point in peace negotiations with Israel.