IRANIAN PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR PRAISES ARMENIANS’ ROLE IN SOCIETY

Islamic Republic News Agency
Oct 21 2008
Iran

Tabriz, 21 October: The archbishop of Armenian Christians based in
Tabriz has said that the community of Iranian Armenians is living in
peace with their brothers in various parts of the country.

At a meeting with the governor-general of East Azarbayjan on Tuesday
[21 October], Nishan Topouzian said that the community of Iranian
Armenians in the Islamic Republic has a high position among their
Muslim fellow citizens, IRNA reported.

He added that the East Azarbayjan community of Armenians living in
Tabriz is ready to help develop this part of the country.

Pointing to the registration [as world heritage] of nine Armenians
historical sites in East and West Azarbayjan, Topouzian thanked the
governors-general and the heads of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts
and Tourism Organizations of the two provinces for their efforts
regarding this issue.

At the meeting, the governor general of East Azarbayjan pointed
to the participation of the Armenian community in various events
in the country, saying that despite biased propaganda by enemies,
as followers of one of the monotheistic religions, the Armenians are
free to practice their religion and engage in political issues.

Ahmad Alireza Beygi expressed the hope that along with their Muslim
brothers, East Azarbayjan’s community of Armenians will make efforts
to develop this part of Islamic Iran.