Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Iran
May 6 2007

Iran, the favorite country of Armenian people

Isfahan, May 6, IRNA

Armenian Ambassador to Tehran Karen Nazarian said in Isfahan on
Sunday that Iran is the favorite country of the Armenians.

In a meeting with Isfahan Mayor Morteza Saqaian-nejad, he reiterated
interest of his fellow countrymen in Iranian culture.

He said that the memorial ceremony marking the martyrdom of Armenians
held in Isfahan was warmly welcomed by the people of Armenia and
accounts for further popularity of Iranians in this country.

"Iran-Armenia relations over the past centuries have brought their
nations closer to each other citing the monuments with
Iranian-Islamic architecture observed in Armenia," he added.

The Armenian diplomat said that the support of Iranian government and
people for his country, the presence of Armenian community in the
provincial capital of Isfahan and the sister cities of Isfahan and
Yerevan are the factors effective for strengthening bilateral ties.

For his part, Saqaian-nejad said that special attention is paid by
the municipality of Isfahan to reconstruction of Julfa neighborhood
in this central city which is resided by the Iranian Armenians.

Meanwhile, he called for further expansion of relations between the
two countries.

"Inauguration of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline shows the deep ties
between the two states," he added.

Saqaian-nejad said that cooperation between the two sides are
expected to increase in educational, trade and tourism sectors.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress