Syrian-Iranian joint higher committee meets in Damascus

The Syrian - Iranian joint higher committee held a meeting on Thursday. The Syrian side was chaired by Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam and the Iranian side by first Iranian Vice President Hassan Habibi.

It was attended by Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and senior ministry officials, representing Syria, while Iran was represented by Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi and officials concerned. Talks dealt with several issues listed on the meeting's agenda. They will continue discussions today.

Habibi and his companions arrived in Damascus on Thursday and said in an arrival statement to SANA that this meeting "like any other previous ones will debate issues of mutual concern in bilateral, regional and international matters."

He added, "There are in the region issues which are of great concern to us, especially the cause of Palestine and the Iraqi issue, besides economic and cultural relations between the two countries."

For his part Khaddam said in a similar statement to SANA, "We will discuss all issues especially those pertaining to the Arab-Israeli conflict, developments in the region and bilateral relations." He added, "Eventually, we always conclude a common vision that serves the interests of our two countries, peoples of the region and the interests of Muslims. Besides Iran is currently presiding over the Organization of the Islamic Conference."

Replying a to question on the similar Syrian - Iranian views concerning the situation in Iraq and the US and European proposals to change the government in Iraq, Khaddam said: "These proposals are grave because if such a principle is to be adopted it would be a threat to world peace and security in every part of the world."

He added, "It is not the right of any country to announce or declare that it works in the internal affairs of other country. Such matter is the responsibility of peoples in any country. Therefore, and as it well-known, all Arab and world countries refuse such a principle."

Khaddam continued: "Naturally, we will discuss Iraq because we are concerned with it and would be reflected on the region as a whole. All these discussions will lead to a common vision that serves security and stability in the region, and the interests, and unity of Iraq. Our utmost concern that the region will not undergo events that will lead to undermining national unity or the political and geographical integrity of this country. Such matters will serve the Israeli schemes aiming at dismembering the Arab and Islamic worlds."

On Syrian - Turkish relations Khaddam said, "Things are normal, the security agreement signed between the two countries is being implemented naturally, and we are pleased over the implementation of this agreement."

In a pre-departure statement to SANA upon leaving Tehran for Damascus, Habibi said the committee will discuss issues of concern to the Islamic world, recent developments in the region and the situation in Iraq. He stressed the care of both Syria and Iran to maintain the territorial integrity of Iraq and alleviate the sufferings of the Iraqi people.