Iranian, UN Officials Hold Meeting on Afghanistan
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Ranking diplomats from Iran and the United Nations met in Tehran for talks about the latest developments in Afghanistan and ways to ensure sustainable peace in the country.
The United Nations Secretary General’s Deputy Special Representative (Political) for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Ingrid Hayden, who is in Tehran for consultations with Iranian officials about Afghanistan’s issues, met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi on Tuesday evening.
In the meeting, the two sides discussed the security situation in Afghanistan and the prospect of future political developments, particularly the upcoming presidential election and the peace process in that country.
The Iranian diplomat expressed doubts about the US intentions in Afghanistan, stressed the need for the adoption of regional approaches and active partnership of the neighboring states for advancement of the peace process with the Afghan government having the pivotal role and being involved, and described consultations with all Afghan political factions as the condition for achieving sustainable peace.
Araqchi also rejected the policy of elimination and unilateralism in the peace process, stressing, “Consultation with the neighbors of Afghanistan and addressing their concerns will guarantee the Afghan government’s success in implementing any peace agreement.”
He also voiced support for the presidential election of Afghanistan slated for September, highlighted the helpful assistance the UNAMA’s potential could provide for the Afghan government in holding a transparent and fair presidential election, and called on the UN to play an active role in this regard, according to the Foreign Ministry’s official website.
The two sides also talked about the presence of Daesh (ISIS or ISIL) in Afghanistan as a threat to peace and security in the region, and about the necessity for cooperation in the fight against the terrorist group.
