Extremism in Afghanistan threat to regional security: Iran
Deputy Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Gholam Hossein Dehqani has warned against a spike in violence in Afghanistan, saying the activities of extremist elements in the war-torn state pose a security threat to Iran and the entire region.
In a speech at a Monday UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, Dehqani said the Islamic Republic has always condemned the terrorist attacks in the Asian country as well as any cooperation with terrorist groups operating there as Iran believes such activities hinder peace in Afghanistan.
The Iranian envoy also said that Iran “has always voiced support for the establishment of peace, stability and security as well as economic and social development in Afghanistan since it believes security in Afghanistan means security on Iranian borders.”
Dehqani reiterated Tehran’s backing for the Afghan national unity government, stressing that Iran is ready to help Kabul tackle the challenges to peace and development in Afghanistan.
He pointed to a recent report by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon about violence in Afghanistan, saying that the figures announced in the report have raised concerns in and outside the region.
Insecurity, instability and poverty have paved the way for the activities of such violent, extremist groups as Taliban, al-Qaeda and ISIL in Afghanistan, Dehqani said.
He also touched upon the increase in opium cultivation in Afghanistan, saying drug smuggling is currently the major source of funding for terrorists and extremist groups.
During the meeting, the UN’s Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Nicholas Haysom also slammed the presence of foreign terrorists in Afghanistan, voicing concern over the growing activities of the Takfiri ISIL group in the country.
Afghanistan was invaded by the US and its allies in 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The invasion removed the Taliban regime from power, but insecurity, instability and violence still plague the country.
FNR/MKA/HJL
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