SPOKESMAN: IRAN RESPECTS AZERBAIJAN’S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY, BACKS LASTING PEACE IN REGION

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Dec 14 2006

Iran Thursday reacted to a referendum in Karabakh region in the
Republic of Azerbaijan, saying it respects the republic’s territorial
integrity while supporting a lasting and fair peace in the region.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini was commenting on a
referendum held in the Azerbaijan breakaway region on Sunday approving
a constitution which declared it an independent state.

"While Iran respects territorial integrity of the Republic of
Azerbaijan it backs lasting and fair peace in the region," said the
spokesman in a statement a copy of which was faxed to IRNA.

"Iran has repeatedly expressed its readiness to actively help the
Karabakh peace talks," Hosseini stressed.

He expressed hope that talks would continue through democratic
processes and lead to a sustainable peace in the region.