It was a modest first step. One pickup left the camp loaded with light weapons packed in bags. The butts of machine guns could be seen protruding from some of the sacks.

BEIRUT, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Lebanon said on Thursday it was launching the planned disarmament of Palestinian factions in refugee camps, part of a wider effort to establish a state monopoly on arms.

In Lebanon, the pro-Iranian factions continue to take a wait and see approach as to whether the government will actually disarm Hezbollah. Lebanon is seeking to disarm armed groups that operate in various Palestinian refugee camps,