Assyrian MP Stresses Iran’s Respect for Religious Minorities

Date: 08 May 2015 - 20:50

News ID: ۱۳۶۳۲

TEHRAN (FNA)- Representative of the Iranian Assyrians at the Parliament Yonatan Betkolia in a meeting with Chairman of the Norwegian Parliament’s Foreign Policy Commission Anniken Huitfeldt in Tehran on Wednesday underlined that religious minorities in Iran enjoy complete freedom.
"These freedoms are to such an extent that it is not comparable with any of the regional countries; they include freedom in all cultural, educational, social and religious aspects of the religious minorities residing in Iran,” Betkolia said.
He said the Assyrian community has been living peacefully in Iran for over 3,000 years which shows the peaceful nature of the Iranians.
The Norwegian lawmaker, for her part, voiced pleasure in her visit to Tehran, and said, "The issues of different religions and treatment of the religious minorities are important and nearly all countries are engaged with it; it is the duty of the governments to use it as a positive social development while paving the way for the peaceful coexistence of all religions.”.
In February, Iranian President’s Special Adviser for Religious and Ethnic Minorities’ Affairs Ali Younesi stressed the Islamic Republic’s support for the freedom of religious and ethnic minorities.
The Iranian government attaches great importance to ethnic minorities and tribal citizens, Younesi said, addressing a gathering in the Central province of Isfahan on Wednesday.
Iran’s Constitution has officially recognized Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism as divine religions alongside Islam and their followers are having a peaceful life and friendly relationship with each other.