PLO in Lebanon reorganizes to confront challenge from Hamas Islamists
NICOSIA — The Palestine Liberation Organization in Lebanon plans reforms and has appointed a new
command. Officials said the PLO plans to extend its authority from central to
southern Lebanon.
The PLO seeks to strengthen its presence in Lebanon during the Lebanese
war in the north with the Al Qaida-aligned Fatah Al Islam.
The PLO was said
to have been hurt by the Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip, which has
strengthened the Palestinian Islamic movement in Lebanon as well, Middle East Newsline reported.
Also In This Edition
In the latest development, the PLO has reshuffled its commanders. A
senior PLO officer, Col. Khaled Aref, has been transferred from the south to
command forces in Beirut.
At the same time, Fatah commander Munir Makdah has been appointed the
PLO representative in Sidon. Officials said Aref and Maqdah would be
responsible for refugee camps in Beirut and the south, respectively.