SUPREME LEADER:TIES BETWEEN IRAN, ARMENIA SHOULD BE BOLSTERED

IRNA
Apr 14, 2009

Tehran, April 14, IRNA – Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei here Tuesday termed ties between Iran and
Armenia as very good and urged implementation of the agreements signed
by the two countries.

The Supreme Leader made the remark after receiving Armenian President
Serzh Sarkisyn in Tehran on Tuesday.

The Iranian government and nation have enthusiastically welcomed
expansion of amicable ties with the Armenian nation and government,
said the Supreme Leader and lauded the significant role of Armenian
religious minority in Iran in various fields.

"During the eight-year Sacred Defense, our Armenian people defended the
Islamic Revolution shoulder to shoulder with their Muslim countrymen,"
said Ayatollah Khamenei.

Expansion of ties with neighboring countries will consolidate their
bonds, said Ayatollah Khamenei, adding that the big powers under
various excuses try to halt promotion of ties among countries of
the region.

Referring to the role of US and certain European countries in
persuading Saddam to attack Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei said in most
of wars or regional conflicts the hands of big powers can be seen
just like the aggressions of the Zionist regime on Gaza and Lebanon
perpetrated under US support.

Saddam’s failure in the imposed war on Iran and defeats of the Zionists
in the 22-day war in Ga za and the 33-day war in Lebanon proved that
foreigners’ support bears no fruits, said Ayatollah Khamenei.

The idea of establishing tranquility between Armenia and its neighbors
is an excellent one which should be materialized, said the Supreme
Leader.

The Armenian president, for his part, conveyed the warm greetings of
the Armenian people to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and
voiced readiness to help broaden and bolster all-out ties with Iran.

"We are quite sure of a bright and promising future for ties between
the two nations," he said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has adopted a rational and logical
approach to regional developments, he said, describing Iran as a
country with firm determination.

Referring to his talks with his Iranian counterpart, he said the
talks were very successful and "We are determined to fully implement
the agreements signed by the two parties."

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was also present in the meeting.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress