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 “The forces that claim that relations of Iran and Armenia contradict Islam are wrong. Iran has never thought that conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is of religious nature,” told IRI Ambassador to Baku Mohsen Pakayeen the Iranian news agency IRNA.

Panorama.am has had an interview with expert of Iranian Studies Armen Israelyan on development in Armenian – Iranian relations as well as the disposition of Iran in NKR conflict settlement process.

- In the last period the Iranian ambassador to Iran touches the NKR conflict settlement issue rather frequently: Why has Tehran became active?

- Iran’s disposition in NKR issue should be discussed from to angles – political and security.

In case of political view we can say that Hassan Rouhani’s government tries to resume its position as superpower in the region. During the reign of previous leaders Tehran’s influence in South Caucasus had declined significantly conceding its place to Turkey.

Secondly, Iran has a broad border with the NKR and therefore, naturally, is concerned with the tension caused by the diversionary activities of Azerbaijan on the Karabakh – Azerbaijani border, the increase of which threatens its national interests. Thus Tehran does everything to neutralize the danger of possible war resumption.

Analyzing the official Tehran’s position in NKR issue we can surely say that the new leadership of Iran has not changed its disposition, which is;

A. “Iran has never considered Armenian – Azerbaijani conflict to have a religious nature.”

B. “The forces that claim allegedly relations between Iran and Armenia contradict Islam are wrong.”

C. “The peaceful settlement is the only way that the NKR conflict can be solved.”

D. “Iran had and has a well-balanced policy which is the most important achievement of Tehran’s regional policy.”

- The RA National Statistical Service has recently published the summarized index of the foreign Trade of Armenia. According to that publication the turnover of between Iran and Azerbaijan has reached $293 536 000 in 2013 which is less with $34 000 000 then in 2012. What developments are expected in Armenian – Iranian relations in 2014?

- The economic sanctions used against Iran, the presidential elections held in that country as well as some other circumstances caused the decrease in turnover. After the famous Genève conferences it is obvious that Iran is trying to develop its relations with both, the West and Russia, which will surely have its positive impact on Armenian – Iranian relations. In that case positive changes can be recorded in the Armenia-Iran railway, Iran – Armenia pipeline as well as in the construction of 3rd high voltage Armenia – Iran electric transmission line. The construction of North – South corridor in Armenia is already launched which will have additional positive impact on development of bilateral economic relations.