Iran, UN Discuss Situation in Afghanistan

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and United Nations’ Secretary General António Guterres, in a telephone conversation, exchanged views on the latest situation in Afghanistan, and discussed the latest developments in regard to the peace talks with the Taliban.

News ID: 449239

Date: 23 February 2020 - 17:13

RNA - Zarif held a phone conversation with Guterres on Friday, discussing the latest developments in Afghanistan. No further details about the talk have been revealed by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General issued a statement on Afghanistan on Friday, welcoming “nationwide reduction of violence in Afghanistan, which is the result of talks between the United States and the Taliban, as well as consultations with the Government of Afghanistan”.

According to Fars News Agency, the statement hopes that recent developments would lead to “to intra-Afghan negotiations and a comprehensive peace process”.

“The Secretary-General reiterates in particular the importance of an inclusive Afghan-led peace process with the meaningful participation of women and youth. To be durable, any settlement must uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens and safeguard the gains made on the human rights of women. The United Nations remains committed to supporting the Government and people of Afghanistan.”

Reports indicate that the US is on the verge of signing a withdrawal deal with the Taliban in the coming days.

Earlier, Special aide to the Iranian parliament speaker Hossein Amir Abdollahian said the US does not have constructive behavior in the region and Afghanistan, adding that the ISIL is dominating Afghanistan and the US is supporting them in political, security and military levels.

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