BEIRUT, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Monday that he fears the international community's proposals for granting Palestinian refugees working permits are "prelude to settlement" which the Lebanese refuse categorically, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.
According to the NNA, Aoun made the remarks while speaking to a delegation of the British Royal College of Defense Studies chaired by Major General Craig Lawrence and accompanied by British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hugo Shorter.
Aoun also reiterated his position on the return of the displaced Syrians to the safe areas in their country, casting doubt on "some sides hindering this return."
He hailed Britain for the military assistance provided to the Lebanese army, which is "proved to be highly effective in cleansing the Lebanese soil of terrorists."
The president reassured the international community on Lebanon's commitment to the provisions of UN Security Council resolution 1701, reiterating the government's rejection of any Israeli attack on the Lebanese soil.
Aoun reminded of the incessant Israeli violations of the Lebanese sovereignty and the exploitation of the national airspace to target Syria.
