Hariri, Ahmadinejad Discuss Tribunal

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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has stressed during a meeting with Prime Minister Saad Hariri on the need for "speedy and direct dialogue between the Lebanese to avoid the effects of the indictment and the International Tribunal, which could be politicized," As-Safir newspaper said Friday.

It said Hariri replied, stressing that he supports dialogue "because it is the only way to address the problems."

As-Safir quoted a source close to Hariri as saying that the premier was "very comfortable" with outcome of his talks with Ahmadinejad, adding that the two men exchanged view points regarding a number of local and regional issues. However, they did not go into details of the inner Lebanon situation.

The source said the talks were honest and both sides clarified ambiguous issues.

He confirmed that Hariri will visit Tehran, adding, however, that no date has yet been set.