Iran's Kharazi continues diplomatic blitz of Arab states

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi plans to continue efforts to woo the Arab world with visits to Jordan and Lebanon this month.

Officials said on Monday that Kharazi will visit Amman and Beirut and meet with their leadership by the middle of June. Earlier this month, Kharazi accompanied Iranian President Mohammed Khatami and held talks in Syria, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Kharazi, the officials said, will meet with Lebanese Prime Minister Salim Hoss and Jordan's King Abdullah.

The Iranian foreign minister will not visit Egypt. Cairo has demanded that Teheran change the name of a Teheran street now called after the assassin of President Anwar Sadat. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has pointed to the Teheran street sign named after Khaled Islamboli as the main reason he has refused Iran's request for better ties.

But the English-language Iran Daily, regarded as close to the Foreign Ministry, said on Monday that Egypt's demand was an excuse not to improve ties with Iran. The daily said Egypt does not sever relations with Israel despite the hostility of Egyptians against the Jewish state.

"Israel has fought three wars against Egypt, killed thousands of Egyptians and occupied Egyptian territory for a long time," the newspaper said. "Reports in the Egyptian media blame Israel for spreading drug addiction and other vices in Egypt. Yet Cairo maintains full diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv and Mr. Mubarak warmly welcomes Israeli leader in Cairo. Does this not offend the feelings of the Egyptian people?"