Al-Assad, Khatami are to discuss mediation between Tehran and Cairo
Syria-Iran, Politics, 5/10/1999

Iran has asserted that together with Syria, it will not "permit the future of Iraq to be decided in their absence" and that the question of mediation between Cairo and Tehran will be discussed between President Hafez al-Assad and Iranian President Muhammad Khatami during the two leaders' meeting in Damascus on Thursday.

This was expressed in a statement made by the Iranian ambassador in Syria, Hussein Sheikh al-Islam, who added that he considered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu less a fool than former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres who carried out the "Grapes of Wrath" campaign in south Lebanon in 1996. But he added that, "All the Arabs, Iran, and Syria defend the Lebanese to give Netanyahu the same lesson already given to Peres," if Netanyahu would "gamble" on carrying out a military operation in south Lebanon.

The Iranian ambassador was speaking in a press conference held late on Saturday on the occasion of the visit of Iranian President Muhammad Khatami to Damascus on Thursday and Friday in the context of his tour which will also include Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The Iranian ambassador added that Syrian-Iranian relations are now at their "peak," adding that the two presidents will discuss the cause of Palestine, the role played by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, regional developments, bilateral relations as well as private issues.

Replying to a question asked by one journalist, the Iranian ambassador said, "We reject what the US and Britain are making against Iraq and the Iraqi people."

Ambassador Sheikh al-Islam added "Whenever relations developed between Baghdad and Tehran, the US will find obstacles before its projects in Iraq." He continued that, "Both Iran and Iraq will not permit the future of Iraq to be decided in their absence, either through the US or other sides."

Replying to another question on whether Syria is playing a role between Iran and Egypt, the Iranian ambassador added that this matter will be within the "private matters" to be discussed between al-Assad and Khatami. He indicated that relations between Cairo and Tehran are very important, "The more Egypt gets far from Camp David, the more it gets closer to us. And there is an inclination in Egypt to alienate from Israel and there are new patriotic attitudes in the Egyptian officials."

On whether he expects an Israeli operation in South Lebanon, the Iranian ambassador said, "We do not fear a new Grapes of Wrath. Peres was given a lesson. Netanyahu has more reason than committing such a foolish act. But if he does so, victory will be on behalf of the Lebanese people." He added that the Lebanese resistance can give Netanyahu the same lesson already given to Peres, saying, "If Netanyahu believes he will lose the elections he will eventually gamble on a military act in south Lebanon."

SANA said in this respect that the Iranian ambassador to Syria, Hussein Sheikh Islam, said that relations between Syria and Iran are very good and that the forthcoming visit of President Muhammad Khatami to Syria this week will boost economic and commercial ties between the two countries.

The Iranian ambassador added that President Khatami's talks with President Hafez al-Assad will cover Syrian - Iranian relations and the latest developments in the region as well as affairs in the Islamic world and other issues of concern to the two countries. The Iranian ambassador continued that, "Syria is a very important country and has a big role to play."

Previous Stories:
  Damascus welcomes Khatami's tour of the region   (5/5/1999)
  Khatami to visit Damascus very soon   (3/4/1999)
  Iranian train convoys for Syria   (1/13/1999)

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