TEHRAN The Catholic Assyrian Archbishop of East Azarbaijan Province, Thomas Miram, said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is the only country, in which the Assyrian language is taught in schools.

Speaking in the opening ceremony of the Festival of Religions, Tribes, and Dialogue Among Civilizations in Urumieh, northwestern Iran, Miram underlined the freedom of religion, which Christians enjoy in Iran.

"There is also an Assyrian Christian representative in the Majlis," the archbishop said adding that the facts indicate that Iran respects different cultures and civilizations.

Miram also praised the idea of dialogue among civilizations initiated by President Mohammad Khatami.

He said that Iran has always presented new and useful ideas and thoughts on culture and civilization to the people of the world.

The archbishop added that dialogue among civilizations played the role of a dove of peace and friendship all over the world and that the 21st century was founded on that.