Journal # Gerhard Schröder in Teheran # 22.02.2009 08 UTC

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder is continuing a visit to Iran that has sparked controversy here in Germany. The four day visit is described as private, but has apparently been coordinated with the German foreign office. It has already included meetings with Iranian President Mahmood Ahmadinejad and the man who might be his main rival in upcoming elections -- former President Mohammad Khatami. But Schröder's trip to Iran has been heavily criticised by Jewish leaders in Germany.