Authorities to draw conclusions after unrest- expert in Iran
The situation has calmed down in Iran, yet there are no guarantees the protest can start over, expert in Iran Aharon Vardanyan stated at a discussion entitled “A look at Iran: Reasons and Consequences beyond the Mass Protests” held in Yerevan on Wednesday.
“Iran is unpredictable and multilayered country, and it remains highly difficult for the world to make predictions over the future developments in the Islamic Republic. The whole region and Armenia, in particular, are interested in a stable Iran,” Vardanyan said, while commenting on the recent protests that hit the southern country.
The analyst reminded of the numerous mutual programs between Armenia and Iran pertaining to economic, energy, and transport sectors which are destined to be brought to life only in peaceful conditions.
“The unrest could severely shake the country from within, yet we are hopeful the authorities in the Islamic Republic will draw conclusions and come up with meaningful political reforms. I can definitely assert the [Iranian] leadership acknowledges the need for serious changes,” Vardanyan added.
Armenian-Iranian journalist Rubik Minasyan, present at the discussion, noted that any force can make use of the turmoil, yet there is no sufficient evidence the actions were directed by outside forces.
“If Rouhani [President of Iran] can press on the needed reforms, more liberal Iran with a freer media and free economic ties with the world will be more beneficial to Armenia,” the journalist said, adding certain limitations put on the information flow often prompt speculations about the real level of the state participation in this or that event.