Abbas Rejects ‘All Interference’ in Lebanese Affairs in Phone Call with Suleiman

Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday stated his rejection of "any interference" in Lebanese affairs.

“We stress the rejection of the Palestinian factions of any interference in Lebanese affairs,” Abbas said in a phone call with President Michel Suleiman.

He added: “We support the steps taken by the Lebanese state to prevent sedition and preserve stability and security in (the southern city of) Sidon.”

Sidon’s clashes between the supporters of Salafist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir and the army spilled over to the Palestinian refugee camp of Ain el-Helweh where army checkpoints repeatedly came under fire.

LBCI television also noted that “intense fighting” took place in the area of Taamir Ain el-Hilweh between the army and Fatah al-Islam and Jund al-Sham militants.

The clashes in the southern city, which are one of the most intense bouts of violence in Lebanon linked to the conflict in Syria, resulted in the death of at least 16 troops.