IRNA � President Hassan Rouhani says the community of Assyrians have never hesitated making endeavors to promote the country.


The president made the remarks in a message, read out to the participants in the Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA) World Congress in Beirut on Thursday by Iran's Beirut Embassy Charge D'Affaires Ahmad Hosseini.

The president's message said the AUA, established as a global political institution for half a century in Lebanon and spread worldwide, followed message of peace, friendship and peaceful co-existence. This was the main reason for longevity of the AUA.

Like other ethnic groups, Iranian Assyrians have had a share in all pains and sufferings in Iran throughout history and have moved alongside other Iranians to fight foreign invasion and promote the country, said President Rouhani.

The president referred to the outstanding role of Assyrians in understanding and co-existence with Muslims and said there is a special affinity between Muslims and Christians due to their shared beliefs and rituals.

He added that Jesus (AS) has special standing for Iranians and Holy Quran has repeatedly referred to him.

'On behalf of Iranian nation and government, I wish extensive bond, integrity and interaction among all Assyrians and Muslims and Christians in other countries. I wish peace, calm and prosperity for you all.'

The AUA Congress opened in Lebanon Thursday night with messages of Iranian president and parliament speaker.

Iran's Cultural Advisor Mohammad-Mehdi Shariatmadar represents Iran in the meeting, which is also attended by envoys from Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Sweden, Newzealand and other countries.

Assyrian Universal Alliance is an ethnic Assyrian umbrella organization in the Middle East, made up of different sectors of the Assyrian federations and organizations throughout the world.