A Three-Day Diplomatic Mission

Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Authority, the PLO, and the State of Palestine, recently concluded a three-day visit too Lebanon. This visit, characterized by its length and diplomatic significance, underscores the unique relationship between palestine and Lebanon, a nation described as small, beautiful and historically resistance country at all levels.

Abbas’s presence signals support for Lebanon’s third Republic, emphasizing the importance of state authority over all its territories. This includes the sensitive issue of weapons possession, particularly within Palestinian refugee camps.

Support for Lebanese Sovereignty

During his visit, Abbas declared his support for the foundations and rules guiding Lebanon’s resurgence. A key aspect of this support is the imposition of the state’s exclusive authority, including the right to monopolize power and possess weapons.

The Palestinian refugee file in Lebanon was also addressed, focusing on improving their economic and social conditions. This betterment is framed not as an exchange for disarmament, but as a natural right for them in lebanon until they find a solution to their just cause and their return to Palestine is guaranteed. The number of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon is now approximately a quarter of a million, down from nearly half a million due to successive waves of immigration.

The historical context of yasser Arafat’s decision to leave Lebanon was also highlighted: Every child A Lebanese has a right to us, as Abu Ammar literally said.

Arms and Refugees: A Complex Interplay

Abbas’s visit aimed not only to support Lebanon’s transformation but also to reinforce his legitimacy as the leader of the Palestinians. This occurs within a complex political landscape, particularly concerning the PLO’s role as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

Regarding the issue of weapons, Abbas’s stance aligns with his long-held convictions and his desire to consolidate Palestinian decision-making. He views the possession of weapons by refugees as a burden rather than an asset.

The ineffectiveness of these weapons was underscored by the participation of some factions in recent conflicts, such as the firing of suspicious and absurd missiles…by the hamas cell, despite the ceasefire that was reached at the end of last November.

Disarmament Initiatives

The expectation is that Palestinian refugees, as residents and guests, will adhere to the Lebanese constitution and internal agreements. this aligns with statements made by President Joseph Aoun and the ministerial program of President Nawaf Salam’s government, which advocate for the removal of weapons from Palestinian camps.

A Lebanese-Palestinian bilateral committee has been formed to work alongside the official dialog committee, establishing a realistic timetable for disarmament. The process will begin with camps in Beirut and Tripoli, followed by those south of the Litani River, areas largely controlled by the Fatah movement.

The most challenging task will be disarmament in the Saida camps, particularly Ain al-Hilweh. Success in other camps is expected to create momentum and exert pressure on factions like Hamas, which may face increasing isolation.

Addressing the Refugee File

Parallel to disarmament efforts, there is a consensus to address the refugee file by resolving economic, social, and judicial problems in accordance with Lebanese laws and sovereignty.

A Valiant first Step

Abbas’s visit represents a first courageous step regarding the palestinian weapon in Lebanon. However, it also highlights the need for a new generation of Palestinian leadership within the PLO, free from corruption.

The visit juxtaposes the past and the future, symbolized by the presence of figures like Joseph Aoun, Nawaf Salam, and Ahmed Al-Shara, creating a scandalous and screaming contradiction between the past, the future, the sunset and the sunrise.