Antoine Sfeir: Tehran and Jerusalem will be allies soonFebruary 16, 2009 - 16:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran and Israel can seal a bargain, a French authority on Islam said."The current situation is a historical mistake which will be corrected," said Antoine Sfeir Director of Les Cahiers de l'Orient Contemporain, Paris, France. "Tehran and Jerusalem will be allies soon and they will offer Ankara to join their union. Israel, Iran and Turkey used to be United States' allies and will become such one day," he said. Prof. Sfeir reminded that residents of Iran are not Arabs but Persians. "Those who are afraid of Iran should not forget that Iran is a Shiite state surrounded by Sunnis," he said. "Iran needs a strategic partner. It could conclude an alliance with Israel." Prof. Sfeir voiced an opinion that U.S. President Barack Obama will break the ice between the U.S. and Iranian relations, thus opening a new era of relations in the Middle East, MIGnews.com reports. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |