Palestinian refugees in Lebanon hold pro-Arafat demo

By: Karim Tellawi

BEIRUT, Lebanon: Thousands of Palestinian refugees on Monday took to the streets of the Bass refugee camp, near the southern port city of Tyre, in a demonstration to back their leader Yasser Arafat.

The Palestine Liberation Organization organized the demonstration attended by an estimated 6,000 Palestinian refugees.

Holding banners inscribed with pro-Arafat slogans, the protestors condemned Israel's killings of Palestinian leaders. They were also carrying pictures of Arafat and Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmad Yassin.

Lebanon is home to some 383,000 Palestinian refugees and their descendants. Over half of them live in 12 overcrowded, impoverished camps spread around the country.

END