Azernews.Az

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has visited the Iranian city of Tabriz, largely populated by Azeris, where he addressed local residents in their native language.
Ahmadinejad spoke of occupation, standoff and wars, and pointed to ways of preventing strife, in his speech before tens of thousands of people who packed the Tabriz stadium.
"The power of the language should be used. The period of hegemony has ended," he said.
In reference to superpowers, the Iranian leader said: "You should stand beside nations and advance along the path of justice and friendship. This will benefit you, as well."
Ahmadinejad said Tabriz has made an unprecedented contribution to the country by nurturing prominent people from all walks of life. He also thanked Azeris for their heroism during the war with Iraq.
Ahmadinejad added that the enemies seeking to sow seeds of discord among countries were helpless in the face of a nation united by the bonds of affection and fraternity.
Iran is home to 30 million Azeris, or about 25% of the country`s population, which is predominantly Persian.