Ahmadinejad’s possible resignation not to affect Armenian-Iranian relations, expert says

PanARMENIAN.Net - Deputy director of Noravank Foundation Sevak Sarukhanyan said the possible resignation of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will not affect the Armenian-Iranian relations.

According to him, the changes will have a greater impact on Iran’s relations with the Arab states and West. Sarukhanyan noted that the Iranian clergy sharply criticizes Iran’s attitude to the Arab states, specifically, Bahrain.

The Armenian expert noted that Ahmadinejad’s rule has been favorable for Armenia. “Good economic projects for the two countries were implemented during his tenure. Besides, the military and technical cooperation has developed,” said Sarukhanyan.

He also referred to Iran’s stance on the Karabakh conflict, saying that the country has never made evident pro-Armenian statements. According to Sarukhanyan, Iran is interested in maintenance of the status-quo in the conflict and weakening of Azerbaijan. “As long as Azerbaijan has a pro-western orientation, Iran will view it as a menace,” the expert said.

The Iranian-Azerbaijani cooperation is viewed by Iran as a possibility to strengthen its positions in Azerbaijan to oust Aliyev, concluded Sarukhanyan.