Iranian president visits Yerevan`s ancient mosque

IRNA, Iran
Sept 8 2004

Yerevan, Sept 8, IRNA — Iranian President Mohammad Khatami visited
on Wednesday the ancient Masjed-e Kaboud (Blue Mosque) in the Armenian
capital of Yerevan.

“Kaboud Mosque of Yerevan is a great historical site showing
coexistence among followers of divine religions,” Khatami wrote in
the memorial book of the mosque.

In the memorial book, Khatami also called for strong ties between
Iran and Armenia and between Islam and Christianity.

Kaboud Mosque, one of the eight ancient mosques in Yerevan, was
built in 1765 A.D. Iran`s Mostazafan and Janbazan Foundation (MJF)
reconstructed the mosque during the 1996-2000 period.

The Republic of Armenia has a population of over 3.7 million people
most of whom are Christians. There are also Muslim, Russian Orthodox,
Protestant, and Yazidi communities living in Armenia. The national
flag consists of three equal horizontal stripes, of red, blue and
orange. The official language is Armenian.

At the invitation of his Armenian counterpart, President Mohammad
Khatami arrived in Yerevan on Wednesday morning on the first leg of
a three-nation regional tour.

Before concluding his visit, Khatami is to attend a press conference
to answer reporters` questions on the issues brought up and discussed
in the meeting with his Armenian counterpart.

Khatami`s official visit to Armenia is taking place in response
for an official visit paid by President Kocharian to Iran in 2001.
Khatami and his entourage will travel Belarus after concluding their
visit to Armenia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress