Palestinian factions in Lebanon united against Fatah El-Islam group

Representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Alliance of Palestinian Forces in Lebanon categorically condemned the activities of the Fatah El-Islam group, whose members have confessed to carrying out bus bombings near Beirut last month.

In back to back meetings with Head of the Future Bloc in Parliament MP Saad Hariri, they reaffirmed backing for stability in Lebanon and the extension of state authority all over the country.

Abbas Zaki, who led a delegation representing the Palestine Liberation Organization with Hariri last week, said discussions with focused on the creation of a Palestinian national unity government, and on efforts underway to deal with Fatah El-Islam. He made clear that all Palestinian factions oppose the group and reject any threat to Lebanon. He told reporters the Mecca Agreement, which cemented Palestinian reconciliation, paved the way for a unified response to the group's activities.

Also a delegation representing the Alliance of Palestinian Forces backed any decision the judiciary in Lebanon takes against the group. Speaking on behalf of the delegates, Oussama Hamdan of Hamas, said they discussed with Hariri the situation in the Nahr el-Bared refugee camp in the North, and that they rejected the use of Palestinian camps to destabilize Lebanon. He reiterated support for efforts to extend state authority all over Lebanon, and the right of return of refugees and improving their living conditions in Lebanon.