ARMENIAN COMMUNITY ENJOYS RESPECT IN IRAN
PanARMENIAN.Net
19.09.2008 14:04 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian community of Iran is one of the oldest
in the world, counting over 500 years.
"Although the number of Armenians decreased in Iran during the past
20-30 years while the Muslim population redoubled, the government’s
attitude remained unchanged. We are respected," Derenik Melikyan,
editor of Aliq Tehran-based Armenian-language newspaper, told a
PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.
"According to the Constitution, we are a national and religious
minority and have certain rights. the government finances
reconstruction of Armenian historical monuments, schools. It assigns
funds for development of culture and education. The Armenian community
is represented by two deputies in the Majlis," he said, adding that
thanks to the Iranian government St. Tadevos was included in the list
of UNESCO’s cultural heritage.
"Presently, 40 Armenian churches function in Iran. Armenians like
other national minorities practise religion freely. I would like to
emphasize that taking care of the minorities, the government works to
represent Iran as a democratic and civilized country," Melikyan said.