GERMAN MP MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF RELIGIOUS MINORITIES IN MAJLIS

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Tehran, May 3, 2006

The visiting chairman of German Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee,
Ruprecht Polenz here Wednesday conferred with the MPs representing the
Iranian Armenians and Assyrians in Majlis on matters of mutual concern.

According to a report released by Majlis Media Department, at the
meeting the MP representing the Iranian Zoroastrian minority, Kourosh
Niknam, briefed Polenz on the activities of the MPs representing the
Iranian minorities in Majlis.

“As the chairman of German Parliament Foreign Policy Committee,
you are expected to enlighten members of the German parliament and
government as well as people.

“You are also expected to attempt to promote their knowledge on the
facts about the Iranian community,” he added.

Criticizing the West’s dual approach to the countries possessing
nuclear technology, he said, “We believe it is impossible to overcome
problems by pursuing unilateral policies in the international scene
and using the language of force rather than dialogue.

For his part, the MP representing the Iranian Assyrians in Majlis,
Younatan Botkilia, referred to articles 12 and 84 of the onstitution
and said that the representatives of Iranian religious minorities
are entitled to rights and duties equal to the Muslim MPs.

Regretting the human rights statements issued by the West against
Iran, he noted, “Religious minorities in Iran enjoy complete freedom,
while we are concerned about the unjust approach of the West towards
the Muslim minorities of the Western states.

Stressing that “Iran is credited for the initiative of dialogue among
civilizations and cultures, he said, “The false charge of rmongering
raised against a nation which has never been aggressive during its
history and has merely defended itself is unfair.” For his part, Polenz
hoped that the continuous exchange of visits between the politicians
and parliamentarians of the two states will help develop their mutual
understanding and help them get a better idea on each other.

Polenz heading a parliamentary delegation is visiting Iran to hold
two days of talks with Iranian officials.