Hamas Movement on Wednesday called on the newly-formed Lebanese unity government to improve the conditions for hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees in the country.

"Hamas wishes prosperity and development for Lebanon and asks the new government to pay particular attention to the situation of Palestinian refugees," the Damascus-based political bureau of Hamas said in a statement.

The statement, addressed to Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and President Michel Sleiman, urged the Lebanese government "to issue laws in favor of the civil and social rights" of Palestinian refugees.

Hamas in its statement however described Palestinian refugees in Lebanon as "guests" and said they "remain attached to the right of return (to Palestine)."

"The Palestinian people... affirm their determination to preserve the security and stability of Lebanon," the statement added.

-AFP/NOW Lebanon