Hariri returns home after "successful" visit to Iran

Prime Minister Rafik Hariri returned home Tuesday after a four-day official visit to Iran, the first by a Lebanese premier in more than 23 years. Hariri described the landmark visit as "very successful."

Iranian and Lebanese officials said the visit by Hariri to Iran will strengthen relations between the two countries, particularly economic ties. Indeed, three bilateral agreements were signed Monday covering trade, commercial maritime and land transport.

Talks on the purchase of petroleum by Lebanon from Iran at discounted prices, however, produced no agreements. Iran is said to be negotiating for the resumption of direct air links with Lebanon, in exchange for the oil agreement. Further talks about the oil agreement are expected in the next few weeks.

Omar Meskawi, the Lebanese minister of transport accompanying Hariri on his visit, was quoted by the Lebanese As-Safir newspaper Tuesday as saying "it was still early" for the re-establishment of trade links between the two countries.

Hariri said he also discussed issues relating to the Middle East with Iranian officials. Iranian vice president Hassan Habibi, who saw Hariri off at the airport Tuesday, described the visit as a "good start." He added Tehran has offered to help the Lebanese government in implementing wide-ranging development projects.

He reportedly also offered to help the Lebanese government against Israeli occupying forces in south Lebanon. Hezbollah, the Shiite Muslim militant group which is fighting to oust Israeli troops from south Lebanon, is backed by Iran. Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah, on a recent visit to Iran, said his party received spiritual backing and support from Iran but did not take orders from Iranian officials.

The Iranian vice president reportedly praised the Lebanese government for supporting the resistance against Israeli occupants.

Hariri also met with Iranian President Mohammed Khatami, Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazzi and former president Ali Akbar Rafsanjani. He concluded his visit to Iran Tuesday with a meeting with spiritual leader Ali Khamenei.

Al-Safir, meanwhile, reported that Hariri will assist in the Islamic summit, to be held in December in Iran. President Elias Hrawi might also accompany him.