Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
January 8, 2018 Monday


Armenian MP of Iranian parliament says situation in country is calm
and under control



YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. The situation in Iran in general is
calm at the moment, ethnic Armenian lawmaker of the Iranian Parliament
Karen Khanlarian told ARMENPRESS.

“The activeness of protests has calmed down, there are almost no
rallies, protests, the situation is calm and under control. You know
that these issues emerged in connection with the socio-economic
problems. And this was also supplemented by the political vector which
is a result of influence of foreign powers”, he said.

According to the lawmaker, the complaint among the people has its
reason, the country really faces a socio-economic problem. This also
emerged by applying economic sanctions against Iran.

“In the recent years there have always been protests in Iran. I have
witnessed different groups in streets, squares near the parliament
voicing their complaints over economic, social issues. This time the
protests were supplemented by a little political character which was
exclusive. Now everyone is concerned, tries to find solutions to the
existing issues in order to prevent such incidents”, Karen Khanlarian
said.

As for the Armenian community, the lawmaker said everyone freely
expresses his/her opinion. The economic issues concern all citizens of
Iran, including Armenians. He added that as a result of the economic
sanctions imposed on Iran the small and medium businesses of many
Iranian citizens, including Armenians were greatly affected.

“The talks on nuclear deal inspired hope that the sanctions will be
lifted, the economic situation will improve, but we see that the US
not only doesn’t want to eliminate the sanctions, but tries to
increase them”, the lawmaker added.

Anti-governmental protests launched in Iran on December 28. Hundreds
of protesters have been arrested.