Note from Iranian government

"We deeply regret" there were some "anti-Iran elements" at the 2nd Congress of World Azerbaijan, and express our sharp protest against these "unprincipled, groundless, unfriendly and threatening statements". Iran denounces these steps, which proves obvious interference with Iranian interior affairs and which is contrary to the international principles and laws as well as contrary to foundations of friendly relations between the two neighboring and brotherly countries. We consider these statements as Azerbaijan's incompliance with friendly relations and cooperation between Iran and Azerbaijan signed by the Presidents of the two countries in Tehran in May, 2002. "It is very surprising" that in the meeting organized by Azerbaijan, "anti-Iranian forces" voiced such "illogical and unfriendly" statements, and it also surprising that contrary to the items of Turkmenchay treaty, the treaty was introduced as division of Azerbaijan, the note reads.

It was also stated that "such actions" contradict Azerbaijan's national interests as well as contradict strengthening of relations between the two countries when Azerbaijan faces the problem of territorial integrity.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran "severely urges" the Azerbaijan Republic to end such actions, prevent "anti-Iranian" elements' activities immediately as well as fulfill the treaty of friendship between the two countries and comply with friendly neighborhood and its principles," the note concludes.

FM spokesman Tahir Taghizadeh confirmed MFA receiving this note.