DAMASCUS, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- An Arab and international forum on the Palestinians' right of return opened in Damascus on Sunday with the participation of political and intellectual personalities from 54 Arab and foreign countries.

    The two-day conference is aimed at establishing the Palestinian refugees' right of return as a firm Palestinian and Arab principle, refusing any bargaining or trade-off, and rejecting settlement and alternative homeland projects, the official SANA news agency reported.

    It also aimed to suggest mechanism and practical programs for defending the right of return and rallying international support for it. A declaration on the right of return would be issued during the conference.

    The forum's program includes lectures, 22 seminars with the participation of over 170 specialists, workshops, poetry evenings and art galleries showing the Palestinian refugees' conditions and underlining their right to return.