Iran calls for restoration of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia
By Sara Rajabova
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokeswomansaid Tehran has always supported any measure to restore peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Marzieh Afkham said on July 23, this is only Azerbaijan and Armenia which should resolve the current conflict through direct talks.
"I believe that the agreement between the two countries to meet in Paris, as well as discussion of the steps aimed at the development of bilateral relations and the problem solving are these countries' affairs," Afkham said.
She was referring to an offer by French President Francois Hollande to hold a meeting between the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents, IRINN news agency reported.
Hollande invited the presidents of two sides to hold a summit in Paris as soon as possible and sit for talks that will lead to a peace agreement.
Afkham noted that if the Azerbaijani and Armenian officials accept this invitation, it will be a step forward aimed at resolving the current problems and improving the links between the two neighboring countries.
She said Iran has always supported any measure to foster relations between its neighboring countries, and this policy is being pursued regarding its northern neighbors.
Afkham said Iran wants the underway efforts yield positive results.
On holding the regular meeting of Iran-Azerbaijan Economic Commission in Baku, she said at the moment a working group is working in this direction, and information about the documents to be signed at the meeting will be announced in a couple of days.
Tehran has repeatedly offered to mediate between Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Earlier, Iranian Ambassador to Baku Mohsen Pak Ayeen said the peaceful solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is one of the main goals of Iran's foreign policy.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict emerged in 1988 after Armenia's territorial claims against Azerbaijan.
For over two decades, Azerbaijan and Armenia have been locked in the conflict, which impedes the development of the region, as Armenia continues its policy of aggression.