An official Iranian source announced yesterday that Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam is expected to arrive in Tehran today, Tuesday, for an official visit, during which he will engage in talks with Iranian officials. The source added that Khaddam will be received by Iranian First Vice President Hassan Habibi, followed by discussions with Iranian President Mohammad Khatami. However, the duration of the visit was not specified. Regular meetings between Iranian and Syrian officials, particularly Syrian Vice President Khaddam, take place to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East region. On Saturday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned “Israeli acts of violence against the Palestinians” and urged the international community to take action to prevent them. Iran, which does not recognize Israel and supports radical Palestinian movements opposing the peace process, has been calling for the trial of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as a “war criminal” for several days.
