Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced on Monday that the handover of weapons will begin mid-next month at three Palestinian camps in Beirut. This decision was revealed during a meeting between President Aoun and a US congressional delegation at the Presidential Palace in Beirut.
According to Kuwait News Agency, President Aoun stated that a recent agreement was reached with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to ensure that weapons in Palestinian camps are exclusively controlled by the Lebanese State. Joint committees have been established to oversee the implementation of this agreement. Aoun emphasized the support received from the Palestinian President and the Lebanese army's role in following up on the agreement, noting that three camps in the north, mountain, and south have already been dismantled.
President Aoun informed the US delegation of Israel's failure to honor its commitments under the cessation of hostilities agreement, which took effect on November 27. The agreement's violations include ongoing hostilities against Lebanon, occupation of the five hills, and the non-return of Lebanese prisoners. Aoun highlighted Lebanon's demands for a complete Israeli withdrawal to allow the Lebanese army to secure the southern border.
Discussing Lebanon's relations with Syria, Aoun mentioned ongoing communication between the two governments to resolve outstanding issues, particularly concerning border security. He welcomed the US decision to lift sanctions on Syria, viewing it as beneficial for Syria's economy and potentially facilitating the return of displaced Syrians from Lebanon.
The first meeting of the Lebanese-Palestinian joint committee took place last week during President Abbas' visit to Beirut, led by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. An agreement was made to initiate the weapon handover process, accompanied by steps to enhance the economic and social rights of Palestinian refugees.