The ambassador to the United Nations expressed concern over the possible resumption of armed clashes in Afghanistan and called on the world body to play a more effective role in preventing the reemergence of terrorism in the neighboring country.
“The latest Secretary General’s report on Afghanistan that is indicative of possible increase in armed attacks and violence in the coming summer season, should be a matter of deep concern to us and all countries in the region,” Gholamali Khoshroo said, adding, “Insecurity, instability and poverty provide the most fertile grounds for rapid growth and reemergence of violent extremist groups.”
Khoshroo made the remarks in an address to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan on Monday.
Underlining the “deep cultural and historical ties” between Iran and Afghanistan, he said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always supported peace, stability, security and socio-economic development in Afghanistan,” IRNA reported.
The envoy reiterated Iran’s support for “the formation of the national unity government” in the eastern neighbor, noting, “Having assumed full leadership, Afghanistan has now entered a very crucial pathway of transformation. Strong and visionary leadership taken by the new government would address current challenges in a sustainable, strategic and consistent manner.”
The permanent representative to the UN strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, warning that any cooperation with terrorist groups “will embolden them in their odious behavior and will be counterproductive to establishing peace in Afghanistan.”
On the issue of security arrangements and the activities of foreign troops, Khoshroo stressed that such moves should first obtain the “full consent” of the Afghan government and be done in “constant consultation” with it, adding, “This is a vital requirement to demonstrate the strong commitment of the international community to respect the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan.”
Regarding counter-narcotics efforts, the ambassador voiced concern about the reports saying that “the opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has been almost doubled since 2012,” calling on the international community to address the problem which is “a real threat for the region and beyond.”
Noting that drug cultivation and trafficking is “a main source of income for extremist and terrorist groups,” the senior diplomat urged the world community to support the cooperation among Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan in the anti-drug campaign.
Khoshroo also said Tehran is ready to raise the level of bilateral cooperation with Kabul, “particularly on security matters, counter-narcotics efforts, developing projects and (boost) economic cooperation in the fields of infrastructures and agriculture as well as durable solution for Afghan refugees.”
The envoy noted that there has been a fall in the voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees, millions of whom still live in Iran, underscoring the necessity of addressing the “reasonable” needs of the repatriated refugees in Afghanistan “to reverse the trend.”
