IRNA, Iran
Feb 20 2010

Iran speaker calls for rapid settlement of Karabakh crisis

Tehran, 20 Feb, IRNA: Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said here on
Saturday [20 Feb] that rapid settlement of Karabakh crisis is in the
interest of the regional countries.

In a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Oqtay Asadov, who is in
Tehran at the head of a high-ranking parliamentary delegation,
Larijani added that regional countries can take a crucial step in
solving the crisis.

Describing numerous cultural, historical, civilizational and religious
commonalities between the two nations as a valuable asset for
promotion of bilateral ties, he noted that the two nations’ will for
forging brotherly relations is rooted in the history of bilateral
ties.

"Iran’s strategy is based on developing economic ties with its
neighbouring countries," he said, noting that given the vast
capabilities of the two countries in the fields of energy, industry
and economy, the level of commercial exchanges can experience a sharp
rise in line with mutual interests.

Larijani also said that promoting peace in the region is one of the
strategic policies of Iran and it will do its best to solve Karabakh
crisis.

Asadov, for his part, said that his country also favours development
of friendly and brotherly ties with Iran.

Characterizing Iran as a country with a long history and rich culture,
he noted that big powers are the main cause of Karabakh crisis.