NO COUNTRY RIVALS IRAN IN PAYING ATTENTION TO HOLY CENTERS OF OTHER RELIGIONS

Orumiyeh, West Azarbaijan prov, Aug 29, IRNA

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Aug 29 2005

Head of Armenia’s State Agency of Monument Preservation Artyom
Gregorian said that no other country rivals Iran in paying so much
attention to holy centers of various religions, including that of
the Christian faith Speaking at a meeting with the governor of the
provincial town of Khoy, Mohammad-Amin Rezazadeh on Monday, he referred
to Iran as a country making effort to preserve its religious centers.

He lauded the fact that so much attention is paid to other faiths
by Islam.

Currently visiting Iran at the head of an Armenian delegation,
Gregorian noted, “Prior to advent of Christianity and Islam, the
people of Iran and Armenia lived together. Given the close relations
between the two religions, sowing the seed of discord between them
is out of question.” For his part, Rezazadeh pointed to the amicable
bilateral relationship and hoped that it will continue in the future.

“We do our best to preserve churches and holy centers of the Christian
faith, similar to mosques and our own historical monuments.

“Special focus has been placed in recent years on reconstruction and
repair of ancient relics to attract tourists,” he added.

During its stay in West Azarbaijan province in northwestern Iran, the
16-member Armenian delegation toured a few of the provincial churches
including Qara-Kelisa and the mausoleum of Sadreddin in Siah-Cheshmeh.

The visiting delegation mainly aims to exchange the latest technical
developments in preserving and safeguarding archaic monuments and
their restoration.