TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has called NATO plans in Afghanistan harmful and ill-advised and warned of their global repercussions.
Salehi made the remarks during a speech at a conference on Afghanistan, which was held in Istanbul on Wednesday.
“The spread and the institutionalization of terrorism, the increase in the production and the smuggling of illicit drugs, the rise in organized crimes, the massive killing of civilians, and the destruction of cities and villages are the results of the unwise and destructive plans of NATO and the United States in the country (Afghanistan), all of which are regarded as serious security threats to the region and the world,” Salehi stated.
He also said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran is opposed to the conclusion of a strategic agreement between the U.S. and Afghanistan.”
“Based on an agreement made between NATO and Afghanistan at the NATO summit in Lisbon, it was agreed that foreign forces would disengage from Afghanistan and hand over security responsibility to Afghan forces,” the Iranian foreign minister remarked.
He added, “Unfortunately, evidence shows that the U.S. intends to extend its military presence in Afghanistan to achieve its extra-regional purposes, and the issue of rooting out terrorism was nothing but a pretext for (establishing) a military presence in Afghanistan and the region.”
The top diplomat went on to say that the presence of military bases of foreign forces in Afghanistan promotes extremism and terrorism in the region.
Elsewhere, in his speech to the conference, Salehi said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes any measure meant to promote peace in Afghanistan and believe that regional countries, particularly (Afghanistan’s) neighboring countries can play key and important roles in adopting security measures and contributing to peace and stability in Afghanistan.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has so far hosted the trilateral meeting of the leaders and other officials of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and has participated in regional and international meetings on Afghanistan,” Salehi said.
He also stated that Iran has also played its full part in the reconstruction process in Afghanistan.
He added, “Insecurity and instability in Afghanistan has inflicted great pain on the Islamic Republic of Iran, and (Iran) regards any positive development in this regard as a step forward toward promoting regional security and its national security.”
Iran has suffered heavy losses in the war on drugs and terrorism, Salehi said, adding, “The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that extremism, terrorism, and violence has nothing to do with a specific culture, religion, and nationality, and terrorism cannot be defeated only by military means, and it is necessary that its roots be identified and eliminated.”
Collective efforts are needed to combat terrorism and drugs, he pointed out.
Peace talks should continue
Commenting on the assassinations of prominent Afghan figures, the Iranian foreign minister said that those assassinations only serve the interests of those who are seeking to hamper peace talks in Afghanistan and have plans to divide up the country.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan could be achieved through the continuation of talks among Afghan groups,” Salehi said.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Salehi held separate talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, in which the sides discussed ties and the latest developments in the region.
via NATO plans in Afghanistan imprudent, destructive: Iran – Tehran Times.
