Iranian president’s speech brings boycotting Armenian opposition to parliament
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
8 Sep 04
[Presenter] Speaking in the Armenian National Assembly today,
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami expressed his opinions on
democracy. Opposition MPs were also present at the meeting despite
their continued boycott of parliamentary sessions.
[Correspondent, over video of meeting in the National Assembly]
Extending a warm welcome to the Iranian president, the speaker of
the Armenian parliament, Artur Bagdasaryan, expressed hope that his
visit will give a new impetus to the development of Armenian-Iranian
relations.
[Artur Bagdasaryan, captioned] The achievements that our two countries
have made in the political and economic sphere, in education, science,
culture and in the spheres of economy and energy contain a great
potential for development. We are sure that after your visit these
relations in all the fields will be developed.
[Correspondent, over video of Khatami in parliament] The Iranian
president’s speech in the Armenian National Assembly was devoted to
globalization processes and development of democracy. The president
stressed that for the development of democracy it is necessary to
study and analyse the moral aspects of democracy. Those new world
processes which are the result of globalization have created a need
to once again define and explain the concept of democracy which
will prevent a collapse of democracy and restrict the development of
inhumane approaches, the Iranian president said.
He noted that Iran and Armenia have a potential as well as a rich
historical past and a basis for regional cooperation and cooperation
on the international arena. The Iranian president went on to add
that his country is ready and intends to expand bilateral relations
with Armenia, promote the settlement of the regional conflicts and
achievement of peace, stability and cooperation in the region.
Mohammad Khatami’s speech in the National Assembly brought members
of all political parties to the session hall.
[Stepan Demirchyan, leader of the Justice opposition bloc, captioned]
We did not declare a boycott against the Iranian Republic. This is a
tribute of respect and we attach great importance to Armenian-Iranian
relations and hope that this visit will promote a further development
of these relations.
[Correspondent] All the members of the parties of the National Assembly
outlined the importance of strengthening Armenian-Iranian relations.
[Galust Saakyan, the chairman of the Republican Party faction,
captioned] Our policies are complementary. We have to note that
during these 14 years the first friendly visits and cooperation which
were important for Armenia have all been connected with Iran. This
cooperation is mutually beneficial not only for Armenia and Iran but
for the whole region.
[Armen Rustamyan, Chairman of the Armenian National Assembly’s standing
commission for foreign relations, captioned] This is an important
and at the same time a historic visit because since the establishment
[of independence] we have had very good relations with Iran. We have
never serious problems with Iran. We always try to develop relations
and cooperation with Iran and of course there is a great potential
which we did not yet use. In particular, Iran’s role in regional
issues is very important.