Iranian clerical leader's Caspian claims condemned

The May 3 statement by Iran’s clerical leader Ayatolla Khamnei concerning Caspian has triggered sharp protests from the Union of Integral Azerbaijan, its press-secretary Jahandar Bayoglu told AssA-Irada Saturday.

The Iranian religious leader stated his non-recognition of Caspian status deals concluded to this end. According to him, Caspian belongs to all of the littoral states and Iran will not allow anyone to expand its influence in the region by entering into agreements with other coastal nations.*