FM Warns Regional States Against Zionists' Plots

Tehran, May 1, IRNA - Visiting Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian conferred on Sunday with Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi on regional developments. According to the Information and Press Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the meeting, Salehi warned regional countries against plots of the Zionist regime and urged them all to exercise vigilance to this effect. The Zionist regime seeks to attain its sinister goals by creating tension, pursing warmongering policies, masterminding plots, posing threats and conducting a psychological warfare, Salehi said. On Iran’s regional policy such as those on the Caucasus, he said “We believe that countries' national interests depend on establishment of good relations with their neighboring states and more stability and security will prepare the grounds for more progress, development and welfare of people in the region, Salehi said. Iran supports settlement of the Karakbakh disputes through peaceful means, Salehi said. Salehi described the current visit of his Armenian counterpart as being in line with the expansion of mutual relations and implementing the agreements already signed by the two sides. The Islamic Republic of Iran and Armenia enjoy very deep-rooted relations particularly after Armenia’s independence from the former Soviet Union, Salehi said. Armenia is a very important country in the region, Salehi said. Nalbandian, for his part, said that his country lauds Iran’s principled and harmonized policies in dealing with regional developments. Exchange of visits between officials of both sides would help expedite implementation of agreements signed by the Iranian and Armenian presidents, he said. He expressed the hope to witness expansion of mutual relations and cooperation in the areas of education, culture and environment. Yerevan believes that Iran’s nuclear stand-off with the West should be settled through peaceful means, he said. Both ministers reviewed latest mutual and regional developments. They also exchanged views on holding the next round of Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Commission meeting in Yerevan./end