AZERI MPS SLAM IRANIAN AUTHORITIES, TV CHANNEL

Day.Az
April 14 2009
Azerbaijan

14 April: While some discussions have arisen between Ankara and
Baku, the Iranian TV channel Sahar is airing programmes that contain
anti-Azerbaijani propaganda. MP Iqbal Agazada, chairman of the Hope
party, said this at the session of the Milli Majlis [parliament]
today, Day.az learnt.

"While some discussions have arisen in relations between Turkey and
Azerbaijan, the Iranian TV channel Sahar is showing ironic episodes
that ridicule Turkish-Azerbaijani friendly ties," he said.

He said that Iranian TV presenters note with jeering that Turkey
which talks about its friendship with Azerbaijan is going to open
its borders with Armenia.

"However, during a meeting with [Armenian President Serzh] Sargsyan
yesterday, Tehran did what even Russia has not allowed itself to do
so far. Namely, protocols on further cooperation in various areas
have been signed between Tehran and Yerevan. In this way, Iran has
once again demonstrated its filthy position towards Azerbaijan,"
he stressed.

"Iran is not interested in the existence of a strong Azerbaijani
state," MP Zahid Oruc said.

"Tehran is continuing to believe up until present that it can apply
the political model of state governing, which it uses in its country,
towards Azerbaijan and countries like our republic," he said.

He said that Tehran also believes that Baku’s foreign policy represents
a danger to Iran.

"Let them cite at least one argument in favour of this, let them point
to at least one case of us taking any step at an international level
in our public [as given] agreements or political ties which would be
aimed against Iran. Tehran, on the contrary, often resorts to this,"
Oruc said.

He said that in the issue of defining the status of the Caspian,
Iran has so far not come to agreement with Azerbaijan and is in this
way continuing to use this as a lever of pressure on Baku’s foreign
policy, economic activity and oil ties.

"It is also known that Iran is a totalitarian state and one therefore
cannot talk about any media outlet’s independent activities on the
territory of this country. The Xazar [as given, meaning Sahar]
TV channel is a mouthpiece for Tehran’s official position," the
MP stressed.

Oruc also said that 70-80 per cent of narcotic substances transported
via Azerbaijan’s territory is carried out [is brought] from Iran.

The MP also noted bilateral relations becoming stronger between Tehran
and Armenia, which has occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan’s territory.