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Civilians in Nahr al-Bared to start leaving in two days - media

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BEIRUT, July 11 (RIA Novosti) - The withdrawal of civilians from the Nahr al-Bared Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon will begin in the next two days, the Al Jazeera television channel said Wednesday.

The Nahr al-Bared camp, one of 12 Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, has been torn apart by two months of fighting that left more than 200 people dead.

"The operation to withdraw civilians from Nahr al-Bared will start in the next 48 hours," Al Jazeera said.

Most of the territory surrounding the refugee camp is a conglomerate of multi-story buildings seriously damaged in clashes between the Lebanese Army and Palestinian militants that have raged since May 20.

The Lebanese military command has demanded the unconditional surrender of Fatah al-Islam, reportedly linked to al-Qaeda, and has refused to conduct direct talks with the Islamist group.

The Lebanese newspaper Al-Liwa reported that Lebanon's military command held talks Tuesday with Palestinians on the withdrawal of civilians, as well as with Palestinian organizations ensuring order inside the camp.

It also said that the date for the start of withdrawal would be announced "today or tomorrow."

Observers have said that could mark preparation for a final operation to kill Fatah al-Islam militants in Nahr al-Bared. The newspaper said "political blessing" was given by the ruling majority and opposition, as well as Palestinian representatives in Lebanon.

In line with a 1969 agreement, Lebanese forces cannot enter the camp.

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