STEPAN DEMIRTCHIAN IN IRAN

Azg/arm
25 March 05

– Mr. Demirtchian, is this your first visit to Iran?

– This is my first visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The
visit was postponed several times due to different reasons. I
consider this an important visit. We met a number of responsible
people. The visit was of introductory character; we discussed issues
concerning Armenian-Iranian relations that we see as significant. The
Armenian-Iranian relations are indeed of great importance, and we
should do everything to foster them.

– Will you share a bit with the negotiations?

– There is no secrete. We discussed Armenian-Iranian relations and
noticed that the Iranian officials highlight these relations and are
ready to promote them. We have the positive results of cooperation
before us but of course there is still a lot that we could do.

– Do you mean the Armenian-Iranian relations strengthened after
President Khatami’s Armenian visit?

– Yes I do, we evaluate our relations with Iran as normal but we are
sure that we can do much more especially in the economical sphere.

– What’s your view on US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan as well
as its growing influence in the CIS countries?

– Every state has certainly its interests. There are a lot of
problems piled in the region today but we are hopeful that they will
find a peaceful solution.

– The US labels its attacks, say, on Iraq an installation of
democracy. What do you think, what kind of democracy this is?

– Coming to the Iraqi issue, I should say that though boycotting the
parliamentary sessions because of rigged presidential and
parliamentary elections and the fact that the Constitutional
Court’s decision to hold referendum was neglected, we took part
at the discussions over Iraq and voted against sending troops to Iraq
considering the Diaspora factor. Many Iraqi Armenians appealed to our
government not to send Armenian detachment to Iraq. Armenia should be
in good relations with the US but it should maintain friendly ties
with its neighbors as well. In this respect our relations with Iran
are extremely important. Armenian-Iranian relations are vital for
establishing peace in the region. We should do everything to bring
our relations up to a higher level. Armenia should move in direction
of European integration and meanwhile should maintain good relations
with the US. We should never forget America’s help to Armenia and
we appreciate that.

– As a representative of the opposition and a deputy, how do you
evaluate developments around Nagorno Karabakh issue?

– There are many anti-Armenian resolutions that pass today. We
continuously point out that there is no perspective in establishing
peace in the region without Karabakh’s participation in the talks. I
mean Karabakh has to opt in the negotiation process, and Karabakh
people’s self-determination cannot be neglected. Unfortunately,
the world community sees the issue today as a territorial argument
between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenian authorities are clear today
over Karabakh’s participation in the talks.

– As we round off, what else do you have to add?

– I want to greet our compatriots. I saw that the Iranian authorities
are not indifferent as to preserving Armenian cultural values.
Hopefully this is not my last visit. We know about Armenian communities
contribution to Iran and to Armenian-Iranian relations.

By Karine Davtian from Iranian Radio