ID :
102888
Wed, 01/27/2010 - 14:34
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/102888
The shortlink copeid
Peace in Afghanistan will benefit all regional states: Iran
TEHRAN, Jan. 27 (MNA) – Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi has stated that peace and stability in Afghanistan will serve the interests of all regional states.
In a speech to the conference on Afghanistan in Istanbul on Tuesday, Rahimi reiterated that the Kabul officials enjoy the full backing of Iran in their efforts to establish peace and security in the war-torn country.
He went on to say that the West’s military approach in Afghanistan has proven futile.
“The presence of foreign forces in Afghanistan for eight years, not only has not brought peace and stability to the country, it has also led to the deterioration of security situation and a rise in extremism and terrorism,” he observed.
He also said that all the countries in the region should cooperate to assist Afghanistan return to normality.
“Regional cooperation to establish peace and security and economic prosperity in Afghanistan is unavoidable,” he noted.
In addition, he warned against double standards in dealing with terrorism and extremism and underlined the need for a comprehensive approach on the issue.
The top Iranian official also referred to the dramatic rise in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, saying insecurity in the country has led to a swell of poverty and drug smuggling.
The revenue out of drugs trade is funding terrorism and poses a serious threat to Afghanistan’s neighbors, he said.
Rahimi also emphasized that Iran-Afghanistan cultural and religious affinities are rooted in history.
He added that Iran has been involved in a number of development programs in Afghanistan.
Iran and Pakistan have been the main victims of war in Afghanistan. The two countries have been hosting millions of refugees for three decades. Iran is also a victim of drugs produced and transited out of Afghanistan. Many Iranian soldiers have been martyred in fight against drug traffickers
In a speech to the conference on Afghanistan in Istanbul on Tuesday, Rahimi reiterated that the Kabul officials enjoy the full backing of Iran in their efforts to establish peace and security in the war-torn country.
He went on to say that the West’s military approach in Afghanistan has proven futile.
“The presence of foreign forces in Afghanistan for eight years, not only has not brought peace and stability to the country, it has also led to the deterioration of security situation and a rise in extremism and terrorism,” he observed.
He also said that all the countries in the region should cooperate to assist Afghanistan return to normality.
“Regional cooperation to establish peace and security and economic prosperity in Afghanistan is unavoidable,” he noted.
In addition, he warned against double standards in dealing with terrorism and extremism and underlined the need for a comprehensive approach on the issue.
The top Iranian official also referred to the dramatic rise in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, saying insecurity in the country has led to a swell of poverty and drug smuggling.
The revenue out of drugs trade is funding terrorism and poses a serious threat to Afghanistan’s neighbors, he said.
Rahimi also emphasized that Iran-Afghanistan cultural and religious affinities are rooted in history.
He added that Iran has been involved in a number of development programs in Afghanistan.
Iran and Pakistan have been the main victims of war in Afghanistan. The two countries have been hosting millions of refugees for three decades. Iran is also a victim of drugs produced and transited out of Afghanistan. Many Iranian soldiers have been martyred in fight against drug traffickers
