Iran urges regional cooperation for peace in Caucasus

YEREVAN, April 10. /ARKA/. In response to a question about the issues raised regarding the recent tripartite meeting between Armenia the United States and the European Union in Brussels Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Nasser Kanaani emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in establishing peace and stability in the Caucasus, Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Kanaani stated: "The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the South Caucasus should not become an arena of geopolitical competition."

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman further stressed: "Strengthening economic cooperation and expanding communication play an effective role in establishing peace, stability, and economic development in the Caucasus region.

In this regard, it is necessary to utilize the capacity of regional structures, including the 3+3 consultative mechanism, for a peaceful settlement.

Differences should be addressed, peace and stability consolidated, and cooperation strengthened based on mutual benefits."

Armenian Prime Minister, the President of the European Commission, the U.S. Secretary of State and the director of USAID met in Brussels on April 5 to reaffirm support for the sovereignty, democracy, territorial integrity and socio-economic resilience of the Republic of Armenia.-0-

A statement released after the meeting noted that the European Union and the United States support a stable, peaceful, secure, democratic and prosperous future for the Republic of Armenia and the region. -0-

--