Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
May 15 2005
Leader of world Armenian stresses coexistence among followers of
divine religions
Arak, May 15, IRNA
The spiritual Leader of the World Armenians Archbishop Jasliq Aram I
Keshishian here Sunday said that religious minorities prepare the
ground for peaceful coexistence among followers of divine religions
and dialogue among civilizations.
“There is an amicable relationship between the Armenians of the world
and Iranian Muslims,” the Armenian leader added during his one-day
visit to the central city of Arak.
He stressed that Armenians in Iran enjoy the right of citizenship and
live with comfort and peace.
It is highly appreciated that the Armenians in Iran are respected, he
stressed in his meeting with the General of the city Hossein
Bakhtiari.
The Armenian citizens in Iran enjoy citizenship rights and they are
present on the scene to elevate their country, Iran, said the
Armenian leader.
The total number of Armenians around the world stands at 15 million,
he said, adding that the 300,000 Armenians in Iran perform their
religious duties freely.
The religious center of the World Armenians is located in Lebanon and
the the center follows up all various issues of the Armenian
population throughout the world, he added.
Bakhtiari, for his turn, stressed that there is a deep relationship
between Islam and Christianity that is highly appreciated.
He commemorated the memory and names of the Armenian martyrs of the
imposed Iraqi war (1980-1988), saying that the Armenians in Iran live
a decent life in the country.
In line with other citizens, the Armenians in the central province of
Markazi are making efforts for the development of the country and
administrative officials of the province try to ensure that they are
living in comfort.
Archbishop Jasliq Aram I Keshishian conferred with President Mohammad
Khatami in Tehran on Saturday.
The spiritual leader of the World Armenian arrived in Tehran on
Thursday, May 12 for a 14-day visit.
He has already visited Iran for three times.
During his stay in Iran, he will tour the provinces of Isfahan,
Markazi, West Azerbaijan and East Azerbaijan.
He will pay tribute to the founder of the Islamic Revolution the late
Imam Khomeini on Thursday, May 19.