Tehran Times, Iran
Aug 7 2004

Peace And Security Cannot Be Actualized Through Suspicion, Force,
Threats: Khatami

BAKU (IRNA) — Visiting Iranian President Mohammad Khatami here on
Friday called peace, security, and justice the most basic needs of
humanity, saying that peace cannot be established by suspicion and
lack of confidence and security cannot be maintained by force and
threats.

Speaking at Azeri National Assembly, he added that in today’s world
peace and security are of great importance.

He added that new understandings and close cooperation are required
to promote peace and security.

“However, firm determination to promote peace, security and justice
as well as campaign against war, terrorism and discrimination on the
international, regional and national levels can open new horizons to
the human community,” he added.

Turning to the fact that today the fate of regional and world
countries are interdependent, he noted that dialogues, initiatives
and new measures are required for getting over the concerns inherent
in unilateral politics, economy and culture.

“Today, on the eve of entering the era of information and
communication technology, the world is facing new dilemmas and
limitations. Therefore, democratic methods and logic should be used
to tackle misleading approaches.

Prior to the president’s speech, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s National
Assembly Murtuz Aleskerov welcomed the Iranian chief executive and
hoped that his visit would give momentum to further expansion of
ties. —————- Focusing On Parliament Shows Respect For
Nation—————

Khatami also referred to parliament as the cornerstone of democracy
and symbol of sovereignty and said that placing focus on parliament
indicates respect for the nation.

Speaking in a meeting with the Speaker of Azerbaijan’s National
Assembly, he pointed to the decisive role of the parliaments of both
countries in expansion of mutual ties and urged to implement the
mutually signed agreements, despite bureaucratic problems.

The president noted that security, stability and progress in
Azerbaijan is linked to security in the Islamic Republic of Iran and
hoped that Karabakh clashes will lead to sustainable peace.

Appreciating the steps taken to establish a legal Caspian regime, he
said that Majlis is quite serious on the issue.

The chief executive hoped that a comprehensive plan securing the
interests of the Caspian littoral states will soon be drawn up.

“The convention on the Caspian Sea environment inked by the littoral
states will soon be examined by Majlis. We expect Azerbaijan’s
National Assembly will take a similar step,” he added.

Aleskerov also appreciated Iran’s approach towards Karabakh issue on
the international scene and said, “We believe that Iran will take
measures towards seeking a peaceful solution to the problem.