BEIRUT, February 13, 2017 (WAFA) – President of the Republic of Lebanon Michel Aoun Monday said Israel seeks to obliterate the Palestinian identity and territory.
Aoun said during an interview with the Egyptian Al Ahram newspaper that Israel views Palestinians who remained in Palestine as residents and not as lawful owners of a land and an identity.
“Can we imagine Islamic and Christian holy places in Palestine without Muslims and Christians? This is a historical disgrace to Arabs and humanity” He added.
“Can we imagine the obliteration of the land, which is the cradle of [the three] religions that spread across the world? Palestine is like Mecca. Do we accept that a civilization is decimated under the pretext of searching for Solomon’s Temple, the existence of which has no historical evidence, while Al-Aqsa mosque is demolished?” he wondered.
Regarding granting Palestinian refugees in Lebanon citizenships, Aoun reiterated that Lebanon’s position was clear, “namely defending the return of Palestinian refugees and recognizing the Palestinian homeland.”
“This position is outlined in the preamble of the [Lebanese[ constitution, rejecting the permanent settlement ]of Palestinian refugees[ in Lebanon,” he added.
K.F/M.H
