Iran is a country of peace for the religious minorities, said Yonathan Betkolia, Representative of Assyrian and Chaldean Christians in Iran's Parliament (Majlis), praising Iran's approach towards ethnic minorities.
Humanity and love is part of Iranian society and the world should know that as members of religious minorities, we live in a country where peace prevails. Betkolia said, addressing the opening ceremony of the Assyrian Tammuz Cup on Sunday night.
'As an Islamic nation, Iran is the symbol of special treatment of religious minorities in the world, which is a result of Iranian people's unity,' Deputy Minister of Interior Majid Khorshidi, who was also present at the ceremony, said.
Iran's Constitution recognizes minorities' religious rituals and this is an indication of justice and respect for human rights in the country, he said.
Based on Iranian laws, the country's minorities enjoys equal rights, he said.
This is going to be especially true when we consider condition of religious minorities in the neighboring countries, he added.
The Assyrian Tammuz Cup was launched 33 years ago in Iran and for the past 17 years it has been held internationally with participants from foreign countries.
Tammuz in Mesopotamian religion is the god of fertility and agriculture.
9156**2044
Orumiyeh, July 31, IRNA – Those states that claim to be democratic should learn from the Islamic Republic of Iran and the country's treatment of its religious minorities, an Iranian Member of Parliament (Majlis) says.
