Addressing the opening ceremony of the Assyrian Tammuz Cup in Orumiyeh in noethwestern province of West Azarbaijan, Yonathan Betkolia, Representative of Assyrian and Chaldean Christians in Iran's Parliament (Majlis) hailed the Islamic Republic's approach towards ethnic minorities.

He added the Islamic Republic of Iran is considered as a country of peace for the religious minorities.

The MP reiterated that humanity and affection is part of Iranian society, adding that world should know that as members of religious minorities, we are living in a country where peace prevails.

Based on Iranian laws, the country's minorities enjoys equal rights, he said.

The Assyrian Tammuz Cup was launched 33 years ago in Iran and for the past 17 years it has been held internationally with participants from foreign countries.