Iranian FM arrives in Beirut

Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi arrived in Beirut on Thursday in a 48-hour visit to Lebanon, during which he will deliver a message to Lebanese President Emile Lahoud from his Iranian counterpart, Muhammad Khatami. The Iranian official news agency, IRNA, reported from Tehran that Beirut will be the first stop in Kharazi's tour of the region, which will last for five days and will also include Jordan.

Kharazi will also meet with Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss and will discuss with him means of strengthening relations in all areas, IRNA added.