BEIRUT: Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Tuesday that Lebanon was preparing to deal with the Palestinian Authority’s attempt to seek recognition as a U.N. member state at the General Assembly in September.

He also reiterated Lebanon’s rejection of the permanent settlement of Palestinian refugees in the country, while espousing his support for their basic rights.

Mikati made his remarks at the Grand Serail to Azzam al-Ahmad, the personal envoy of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Palestine’s Ambassador to Lebanon Abdullah Abdullah and other Palestinian officials also attended the meeting.

Lebanon is currently a non-permanent member in the U.N. Security Council and will take over its rotating presidency in September.

“Consolidating bonds between different segments of the Palestinian people and taking a united stance regarding the struggle with the Israeli enemy will give the Palestinian position the needed immunity and prevent Israel from singling the Palestinian people out” and depriving them of their legitimate rights, Mikati said.

“Bringing back the Palestinian cause to the list of priorities of Arab and Islamic states is among the most important duties,” Mikati added, while highlighting the importance of seeking the support of “peace-loving” countries for the Palestinian cause.

Lebanon has always insisted on the right of return for refugees and for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as a capital.

Mikati said that his Cabinet, in cooperation with relevant international organizations, would devote the needed humanitarian and social assistance to the 300,000-odd Palestinians thought to be living in Lebanon.

“It is known that brotherly Lebanon is a [non-permanent] member of the U.N. Security Council and will assume its presidency in September,” said Ahmad. “Lebanon always stood by the side of the Palestinian people and has adopted the Palestinian cause not only in the region, but in international scenes.

“Prime Minister Mikati has informed us that under the guidance of President Michel Sleiman and the Cabinet, Lebanon has asked the Foreign Ministry and Lebanon’s mission to the U.N. to pursue contacts and make efforts to prepare for facing this event, which we hope will be successful,” he added.

The Palestinian official said he briefed Mikati on the ongoing Judaization of Jerusalem, stressing that there would be no going back on the Palestinian reconciliation.