Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam arrived in Tehran yesterday for a two-day official visit, during which he will engage in talks with Iranian officials on Middle East matters, as reported by the radio. He was received by Iran’s First Vice President, Hassan Habibi, who is scheduled to hold discussions with Iranian President Mohammad Khatami later. Speaking to reporters, Khaddam confirmed that he carries a message from Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to President Khatami regarding “the turbulent situation in the Middle East.” He stated that the letter addresses “potential developments in the region,” without providing further details. He further emphasized that both Syria and Iran have a responsibility in the Islamic world to establish security and stability in the region. Habibi, on his part, stressed Iran’s continuous support for its friends, particularly Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon. He added that they consistently condemn any threats directed towards their Syrian, Palestinian, and Lebanese allies. Regular meetings between Iranian and Syrian officials, notably Syrian Vice President Khaddam, are held to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East. On Saturday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned “Israeli acts of violence against the Palestinians” and called upon the international community to take action to prevent them. Iran, which does not recognize the State of Israel and supports radical Palestinian movements opposing the peace process, has been urging the prosecution of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as a “war criminal.”