YEREVAN (ArmRadio)—The elimination of sanctions placed on Iran will contribute to the mitigation of tension in the region, which will positively affect Armenian-Iranian relations, Ambassador of Iran to Armenia Mohammad Reisi told a press conference in Yerevan.
Iran and the world powers agreed on a long-awaited deal on Tehran’s nuclear energy program, after days of intense talks in Geneva.The interim deal allows for Iran to continue its activities in its nuclear sites in the cities of Arak, Fordo, and Natanz in exchange for concessions on uranium enrichment and more transparency.
The agreement also stipulates that no additional sanctions will be imposed on Iran due to its nuclear energy program. Iran will also receive access to $4.2 billion in foreign exchange as part of the nuclear deal.
“Iran is against any weapon of mass destruction, including nuclear. Our objective is to develop a peaceful nuclear program,” the Ambassador said.
Mohammad Reisi noted that financial problems due to sanctions had resulted in the suspension of some joint projects with Armenia. “Despite that, our cooperation with friendly Armenia continues. The city of Agarak and the surrounding settlements, for example, are currently connecting to gas lines with the support of the Iranian government. The large-scale project for the construction of the Meghri Hydro-Power Plant will also continue after the sanctions are lifted,” he said.
The Armenia-Iran railway project may also be realized, if the Armenian side finds means for the construction of the Armenian section of the railroad. The Iranian Government is ready to finance the construction of the Julfa-Meghri sector from the state budget, according to Reisi.
Touching upon Azerbaijan’s claims on Iranian territories, the Ambassador noted: “Those claims are groundless, because Azerbaijan was created in 1918. Azerbaijan lays claims on Armenian territories, as well, but one should have a basis for such claims.”
Speaking about the supply of Iranian gas to Armenia and the increase of its volumes, the Ambassador said that presently Armenia receives gas against electricity, and that the increase of the volume depends on decisions by the Armenian authorities.
“In any case, Armenian-Iranian economic relations are sure to rise to a new level after the agreement reached in Geneva,” Ambassador Reisi concluded.
