Hariri holds talks with Iranian officials in Tehran
Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri arrived in Tehran on Monday on a one-day visit to Iran.
In an arrival statement Hariri said that his visit to Tehran falls in the course of continued coordination and consultations between officials in Lebanon, Syria and Iran on conditions in the region and issues of mutual concern. He stressed that relations between Lebanon and Iran are developing continuously.
Hariri asserted that Lebanon is committed to Middle East peace and to its right "in resisting the occupation." He added that, "Lebanon seeks comprehensive peace in cohesion with Syria. A peace that provides for Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights to the June 4, 1967 border line." He also stressed the rights of the Lebanese people to resist the Israeli occupation.
Iranian President Muhammad Khatami on Monday received Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, currently visiting Iran. Talks dealt with bilateral relations and means of consolidating and strengthening them, the latest developments in the region and issues of mutual concern.
President Khatami noted the good relations between Iran and Lebanon. He added that, "Through their bilateral cooperation, the two countries can play a key role in regional and international issues."
The Iranian President stressed that eliminating tensions in the region is one of the main priorities of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
President Khatami praised the struggle mounted by the Lebanese resistance against the Israeli occupation in south Lebanon.
Hariri had previously visited Tehran on October 25, 1997. On the other hand, Iran's first vice president, Hassan Habibi, who welcomed the Lebanese premier at the airport, described Iranian - Lebanese relations as friendly and historic.
In a statement Habibi said, "During Hariri's visit to Tehran discussions will center on conditions in the region, issues of mutual concern and means of developing and strengthening bilateral relations between Iran and Lebanon in political, economic and cultural fields."
He also expressed hope that Hariri's visit to Iran would achieve its objectives.