Iran, UN Discuss Afghan Peace, Upcoming Election

Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political) for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Ingrid Hayden held a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi in Tehran on Tuesday.

The two sides discussed the security situation in Afghanistan and the prospect of future political developments, particularly the presidential election and the peace process in that country.

In the meeting, Araqchi expressed doubts about the US intentions in Afghanistan, and stressed the need for regional approaches and active partnership of Afghanistan’s neighbors for the advancement of the peace process, which he said must involve the Kabul government as a pivot.

He also described consultations with all Afghan political factions as the main condition for sustainable peace in Afghanistan.

Araqchi further rejected the policy of elimination and unilateralism in the peace process, noting, “Consultation with the neighbors of Afghanistan and addressing their concerns will guarantee the Afghan government’s success in implementing any peace agreement.”

He finally voiced support for the coming presidential election of Afghanistan in September, highlighted the helpful assistance that UNAMA could give the Afghan government in holding a transparent and fair presidential election, and called on the UN to play an active role in this regard.

Araqchi and the Australian UN official also discussed the presence of ISIS (ISIL) in Afghanistan as a threat to peace and security in the region, and about the necessity for cooperation in the fight against the notorious terrorist group.