IRAN BORDER-GUARDS SPREAD NEWS ABOUT CROSS DESTRUCTIONS IN JULFA

Azeri Press Agency
Nov 22 2006

"Iran border-guards first saw the destruction of the crosses in
Armenian cemetery near the old Juga territory." These ideas belong
to Derenik Melikyan, the editor-in-chief of Alik newspaper published
in Armenian language in Iran, APA reports.

Derenik Melikyan says that there are enough schools, churches and
media meeting the demands of Armenians in Iran, Armenian historical
monuments, especially, Surb Tatevos temple in Atrratakan are protected
by the government.

"The only difficulty for Armenians is the activity of local Turkish
speaking circles. But both Armenian community and Iran government
observes their activity and takes needed measures in any case,"
he said.

Derenik Melikyan also said that Iran diplomatic circles have also
warm relations with Armenians living in the foreign countries. He
also said the information about Armenian monuments in Iran and Surb
Tatevos temple was posted in the website of Russia Embassy. It should
be noted that with the support of Iran government Armenians call
some Christian monuments in South Azerbaijan to be theirs. So, Iran
government already suggested including Black Church (Surb Tatevos)
temple to UNESCO World Heritage sites.