SPEAKER STRESSES EXPANSION OF PARLIAMENTARY TIES WITH ARMENIA

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Sept 12 2006

Visiting Iranian Majlis Speaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel in Yerevan on
Monday called for bolstering of parliamentary ties with Armenia.

Haddad-Adel, who arrived in the Armenian capital Yerevan Monday on
the first leg of a two-nation visit, met with the chairman of the
Armenia National Assembly, Tigran Torossian.

The speaker, who described Tehran-Yerevan bilateral relations as
"outstanding" during the past 15 years, said that since the victory
of the Islamic Revolution in 1979 Iran has endeavored to establish
ties with states based on justice and Islamic teachings.

He urged strengthening of mutual relations through enhanced cooperation
of the two states’ parliaments, and expressed the Iranian parliament’s
readiness to enact laws to boost cooperation particularly in the
economic field.

Haddad-Adel also expressed hope relations between the two states would
receive a further boost through exchange visits between the two sides’
MPs and members of their parliamentary friendship groups.

Torossian, for his part, said he was happy with the visit of the
Iranian parliamentary delegation to Armenia, saying it would be an
important step toward consolidation of ties.

He praised Iranian assistance provided to Armenia after the country
obtained independence.

The Armenian chairman stressed the importance of implementing the
two sides’ gas pipeline project as well as the Aras water power plant
and high-voltage electricity line.

He called for upgrading of parliamentary ties with Iran.

Haddad-Adel, following his visit to Armenia, will next pay a visit
to Kyrgyzstan.

The Majlis speaker’s official visits are upon the invitations of his
counterparts in these countries.

He is accompanied by a number of executive officials and Majlis
deputies.