BEIRUT, Lebanon, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- The Lebanese parliament has withdrawn a bill that would have allowed Palestinians to buy property in Lebanon.
The Arabic Aljazeera network said the decision has prompted accusations of racism and discrimination from the estimated 390,000 Palestinians living in Lebanon, half of whom are in camps.
The Jerusalem Post said Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri withdrew the draft legislation that would have lifted a ban on the acquisition of real estate by all non-Lebanese people "who do not possess citizenship issued by a state recognized by Lebanon."
Opponents told Aljazeera the subject is divisive among Lebanese because the acquisition of real estate by Palestinians would damage the Palestinian cause since the refugees would remain in Lebanon and never return to Palestine.
