Tehran backs UN efforts to reconstruct Afghanistan: Envoy

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshroo underlined Tehran’s strong support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) as well as for the UN agencies in their efforts to provide development and reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan.

“Tehran will continue its full support for the promotion of security, stability and comprehensive and sustainable development in Afghanistan through strong bilateral relations as well within UNAMA, since the security in Afghanistan is the security of Iran’s borders and the region,” Khoshroo said in statement to the Security Council session on Situation in Afghanistan on Thursday.

He said the formation of the national unity government in Afghanistan and assuming full leadership is a major step toward establishing peace and prosperity in the country.

“Iran continues to fully support the national unity government and is confident that this government is well positioned and enjoys necessary capacities to face the political, economic and security challenge,” he added.

Khoshroo said the latest report by the secretary general on Afghanistan indicates that although the overall number of attacks shows a very slight decrease compared to 2014, the ongoing conflict grew in both intensity and geographical scope.

“The spike in terrorist attacks in Kabul, following the confirmation of the death of Taliban leader Mullah Omar was visible. The deterioration of security, especially in the north and west of Afghanistan is a matter of concern.”

He condemned all violent attacks committed by the Taliban and other terrorist groups as well as any cooperation with them.

The envoy further said, “We see the expansion of our political and economic ties with neighboring Afghanistan as a priority, Iran stands ready to increase its bilateral cooperation, particularly on security matters, counter-narcotics efforts, developing projects and economic cooperation in the fields of infrastructures and agriculture as well as durable solution for Afghan refugees.”

[…]