Afghans Urged to Exercise Restraint, Avoid Violence

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman urged all Afghan sides to exercise restraint and avoid violence and fratricide amid heavy fighting between Taliban members and resistance militia fighters in Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley, north of the capital Kabul.
Speaking to IRNA, Saeed Khatibzadeh invited all Afghan sides to remain committed to the principle of negotiations to find a solution to the ongoing dispute.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is in constant contact with all parties and has made its utmost effort to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people,” he said.
“We believe that lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan can only be achieved through genuine intra-Afghans talks without the presence and interference of foreign countries.”
The Iranian spokesperson noted that Afghanistan is tired of years of occupation, war and violence and so all Afghans should avoid the use of violence and fratricide again.
He slammed any foreign intervention in Afghanistan and said the Afghan people deserve a popular and inclusive government that reflects the country’s demographic and ethnic structure.
Like the past 40 years, the Islamic Republic will stand by the people of Afghanistan in their efforts to achieve victory, Khatibzadeh pointed out.