January 20, former RA Robert Kocharyan met with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki. The officials discussed the issues on bilateral cooperation and regional development, Tehran Times reports. According to the source, Mottaki called Armenian-Iranian ties “long standing”.

“Security and stability in the Caucasus should be consolidated by regional approaches,” Tehran Times quotes Foreign Minister.

Robert Kocharyan stated that Armenia is ready to expand cooperation with Iran.

During the meeting, Kocharyan also touched upon “the efficiency of regional approaches in promoting regional security and economic development”, the source says. According to Tehran Times, he also added that “foreign powers’ prescriptions for resolving crises in the Caucasus is destructive.”

NEWS.am correspondent tried to find out in his office and RA Foreign Ministry who authorized Kochayan to speak on behalf of Armenia. The head of Kocharyan’s staff-Viktor Soghomonyan confirmed information on the former President’s meeting with Mottaki, saying he cannot confirm whether Kocharyan made any statements on behalf of Armenia as did not attend the meeting. RA Foreign Ministry press secretary Tigran Balayan offered to clarify information on the statements in Kocharyan’s office.

A.G.