Iran urges end to occupation of Afghanistan

Tehran, Oct 20, IRNA

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi here on Monday called for
end to occupation of Afghanistan by foreign forces.

Talking to domestic and foreign reporters, he urged the big powers not
to intervene in the Afghan domestic affairs.

On Afghan future elections, he underscored the need for respecting the
Afghan public opinion and called for holding a free election.

Asked about future visit to Tehran of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani,
Qashqavi said the date has not been fixed yet.

On possible meetings held between US authorities and Taliban leaders,
he said the occupiers should justify their contradictory approach.

Expressing concern about the Western governments plan to hold
negotiations with Talibans, he said that despite all their mottos
regarding their serious determination to counter terrorism,
particularly after September 11 terrorist operation, they are taking
anti-terrorist actions these days.

On recent visit to Tehran of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei
Ryabkov, Qashqavi said during his stay in Tehran, he met with
Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili and Deputy
Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Mohammad-Ali
Hosseini on Tehran-Moscow ties and the latest regional and
international developments.

Criticizing inappropriate attitude toward Iranian pilgrims to Iraq by
that country's police force, he said Tehran is making efforts to
facilitate pilgrimage visit to Iraq of the Iranian nationals.


End