SIDON - The visit by the chairman of Fatah's Central Committee, Farouk Qaddoumi, to Lebanon this week gave a boost to Lebanese-Palestinian relations, previously in doubt following tightened security measures at the entrances of some of the country's Palestinian refugee camps. On the occasion, the Lebanese Army was instructed to speed up inspections near refugee camps in order to reduce traffic congestion.

Easing of traffic restrictions came a day before implementation of an agreement aimed at expanding checkpoint passages leading into the camps.

The Palestinian Follow-Up Committee's secretary Abed Maqdah expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, saying the measures were aimed at securing the camps.

Qaddoumi, who also met with Beirut MP Saad Hariri and Sidon MP Bahia Hariri in Qoreitem, said he was cautiously optimistic about Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, calling the move "a partial achievement." He said the withdrawal is expected to remove various obstacles burdening Palestinians.

Discussions with Lebanese MPs also focused on the importance of promoting Lebanese-Palestinian relations.

Qaddoumi implied Hariri had suggested dialogue be maintained between Lebanon and Palestinians in the occupied territories and the refugee community in Lebanon.

"Mr. Hariri expressed his desire for full cooperation, because like his father, he believes the Palestinian cause is part of his national duty," Qaddoumi said.

Meanwhile, MP Bahia Hariri updated Qaddoumi on recent developments between Palestinian forces and Lebanese security officials aimed at reducing tension at the checkpoints.

Bahia Hariri said traffic will soon flow more freely at the entrances of the Ain al-Hilweh and Taamir refugee camps.

Lebanese security sources informed The Daily Star that ideas had been put forward to install a finger-printing system at the entrances of the Ain al-Hilweh camp. The sources said the case is being handled by the Lebanese government.

Meanwhile, Sidon MP Osama Saad urged the Lebanese government to deal with the Palestinians fairly, ruling out any implementation of UN Resolution 1559 and stressing the need for the government to protect the camps from Israeli aggression.

Commenting on Qaddoumi's visit, Palestinian National Council member Fathi Abul-Ardat said "Abul-Lutuf" had assured Lebanese officials the Palestinian community in Lebanon is committed to preserving peace in the country.

Palestinian sources said Qaddoumi could not tour camps across the country because of the short duration of his visit.

In a visit to Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Qaddoumi discussed the possibilities for a just and permanent peace in the Middle East.

After congratulating Siniora on the formation of his government, Qaddoumi denounced schemes to undermine ties between the Lebanese and Palestinians and thanked the prime minister for his support of the Palestinian cause. - Daily Star