DAMASCUS, Syria, Dec 4, SPA -- Germany's foreign minister discussed developments in Lebanon and Iraq with Syrian officials Monday during a visit aimed at exploring possibilities for diplomatic progress in the Middle East. Frank-Walter Steinmeier was greeted at Damascus airport by his Syrian counterpart Walid al-Moallem and drove straight to the Syrian foreign ministry for talks. Steinmeier is also scheduled to meet with President Bashar Assad and his deputy Farouk al-Sharaa during the one-day visit.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/408540