Indo-Iran tensions a passing phase: Iranian Counsellor

New Delhi, Jan 11 (UNI) The political tensions between India and Iran are only a passing phase which will not affect the strong cultural and historical ties between the two countries, Mr S Shakeeb, Cultural Counsellor in the Iranian Embassy, said today.

He said the two countries had been living in harmony despite these tensions.

''These tensions will be over soon, and what will remain are friendship, harmony and amity,'' he said on the eve of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Indo-Iran culture ties.

He said the objective of the celebrations was to renew historical identities and evaluate common heritage of the two countries, especially during the medieval age.

''We hope to remove bad feelings on both sides,'' he said.

Dr Shakeeb proposed to the Indian Council of Cultural Relations to organise India Cultural Week in Iran.

On the future of Persian language in India, he said: ''There is need to know Persian to learn about your historical identity as most of the documents of the medieval times are in Persian''.

To improve links between scholars and artists of India and Iran, the Iran Culture House will tomorrow give away 'Alberni' Award to the Indians who have contributed to expanding cultural relations between the two countries.

Another award, in the name of classical Persian poet Saadi, will be given to those who promote Persian language and literature in India.

Next Year, an Award will be given to writers and researchers who have studied and written auspicious books about Islamic studies.

''Hope these awards and rewards will strengthen relations between the two countries,'' he said.

UNI