First time in 25 years, Aziz in Beirut to meet Lahoud

The Iraqi deputy premier and foreign minister Tareq Aziz arrived in Beirut on Thursday in a special visit which lasts for two days during which he will be meeting with the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud.

Upon his arrival in Lebanon from Syria, by land, the Iraqi official stressed his "happiness to visit Lebanon for the first time since 25 years." At the Lebanese- Syrian borders, the Iraqi official was welcomed by the Lebanese minister of state Beshara Murhej and the Iraqi charge d'affairs in Lebanon Nabil al-Jinabi.

Aziz will be meeting today with the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud and will return back Beirut tomorrow by land to Damascus.