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IRAN'S BETTER FRIEND: ARMENIA VS AZERBAIJAN
Tert.am
12:53 20.09.11
Friendship with Armenia is much more valuable for Iran than friendship
with Azerbaijan, writes the Baku-based Zerkalo newspaper.
With respect to Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian's recent meeting
with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the newspaper writes:
"Congratulating Minister Edward Nalbandian on the 20th anniversary
of Armenia's independence, Iranian FM Ali Akbar Salehi pointed out
that Armenian-Iranian good neighborly relations are getting stronger
day by day.
"In his turn, the Armenian FM stated that Armenia and Iran have no
problems. Even if they do, the problems are of technical nature and
are dealt with jointly."
At his Iranian counterpart's request, Minister Nalbandian informed him
of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. He pointed out the importance
of Iran's balanced position. The newspaper goes on: "It is to be
noted that official Tehran's hypocrisy goes beyond all borders. Just
a few days ago, the same Ahmadinejad spoke of indestructible
Azerbaijani-Iranian friendship. He even recognized Armenia as an
aggressor and demanded that it leave Azerbaijan's territories."
The newspaper admits serious problems between Azerbaijan and Iran.
"Official Teheran is unwilling to reach an agreement on demarcation
of the Caspian Sea. Moreover, Iran is laying claims to the area that
has never belonged to it.
"In alliance with Russia, Iran objects to the construction of a
Transcaspian bottom gas pipe. Iran's goals are unclear. Is it playing
into Russia's hand or trying to retain its position of a country
for energy resource transit from Central Asia to Europe, which, in
turn, will enable it to exert serious influence on certain political
positions in Muslim states? Most probably, both. That is, Iran is
playing into Russia's hands, aiming for long-term targets. Azerbaijan
is increasing its pressure. Moreover, despite a number of serious
concessions made by Azerbaijan, it remains completely neutral about
international sanctions against Iran. It, to an extent, even supported
its southern neighbor by stating at the top level that Tehran had
the right to peaceful nuclear research.
"Further, Azerbaijan publicly pledged that its territory would never
be used for attacking Iran, despite the fact that Azerbaijan will
hardly 'feel cosy' if Iran has nuclear weapons. On the contrary,
Iran will pose immediate threat to Azerbaijan," writes the newspaper.
From: A. Papazian
Tert.am
12:53 20.09.11
Friendship with Armenia is much more valuable for Iran than friendship
with Azerbaijan, writes the Baku-based Zerkalo newspaper.
With respect to Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian's recent meeting
with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the newspaper writes:
"Congratulating Minister Edward Nalbandian on the 20th anniversary
of Armenia's independence, Iranian FM Ali Akbar Salehi pointed out
that Armenian-Iranian good neighborly relations are getting stronger
day by day.
"In his turn, the Armenian FM stated that Armenia and Iran have no
problems. Even if they do, the problems are of technical nature and
are dealt with jointly."
At his Iranian counterpart's request, Minister Nalbandian informed him
of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. He pointed out the importance
of Iran's balanced position. The newspaper goes on: "It is to be
noted that official Tehran's hypocrisy goes beyond all borders. Just
a few days ago, the same Ahmadinejad spoke of indestructible
Azerbaijani-Iranian friendship. He even recognized Armenia as an
aggressor and demanded that it leave Azerbaijan's territories."
The newspaper admits serious problems between Azerbaijan and Iran.
"Official Teheran is unwilling to reach an agreement on demarcation
of the Caspian Sea. Moreover, Iran is laying claims to the area that
has never belonged to it.
"In alliance with Russia, Iran objects to the construction of a
Transcaspian bottom gas pipe. Iran's goals are unclear. Is it playing
into Russia's hand or trying to retain its position of a country
for energy resource transit from Central Asia to Europe, which, in
turn, will enable it to exert serious influence on certain political
positions in Muslim states? Most probably, both. That is, Iran is
playing into Russia's hands, aiming for long-term targets. Azerbaijan
is increasing its pressure. Moreover, despite a number of serious
concessions made by Azerbaijan, it remains completely neutral about
international sanctions against Iran. It, to an extent, even supported
its southern neighbor by stating at the top level that Tehran had
the right to peaceful nuclear research.
"Further, Azerbaijan publicly pledged that its territory would never
be used for attacking Iran, despite the fact that Azerbaijan will
hardly 'feel cosy' if Iran has nuclear weapons. On the contrary,
Iran will pose immediate threat to Azerbaijan," writes the newspaper.
From: A. Papazian