UN envoy: ‘Afghanistan crisis putting strain on Iran’s resources’
Iran's UN envoy has criticized the international community for failing to support the country in the face of problems stemming from the crisis in neighboring Afghanistan.
Amir Saeid Iravani was addressing a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday on the situation in Afghanistan.
He said Iran has shouldered a disproportionate share of problems stemming from Afghanistan's crisis, especially after the reckless US withdrawal in 2021.
Iravani added that over six million Afghans have sought shelter in Iran, placing immense strain on the country’s resources, which spends over $10 billion annually to meet their needs.
He said all efforts must focus on enabling refugees' return by strengthening Afghanistan's capacity to provide housing, jobs, and essential services.
“Iran remains committed to regional initiatives that foster dialogue and active engagement with Afghanistan, including neighboring ministerial meetings, regional contact groups, and the Moscow format,” he said.
“On 27 September, Iran hosted the third quadripartite Foreign Minister-level meeting with China, Pakistan, and Russia here in New York to deepen engagement with Afghan authorities and promote regional stability,” he stated.
“The joint statement of the meeting reaffirmed support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and independence, underscored the importance of inclusive governance, and highlighted concerns over terrorism,” he said.
Iravani reiterated Iran’s commitment to actively supporting Afghanistan’s political, economic, and social reconstruction.
“Iran is committed to actively supporting Afghanistan’s political, economic, and social reconstruction, working towards a brighter future for its people while promoting regional peace and security. Western countries, whose prolonged occupation and abrupt withdrawal plunged Afghanistan into crisis, have a moral, legal and political obligation to contribute meaningfully to the country's rebuilding efforts,” he said.
He noted that Western countries, whose prolonged occupation and abrupt withdrawal plunged Afghanistan into crisis, are morally and politically obliged to contribute meaningfully to the country's rebuilding efforts.
Afghanistan is still reeling from a decades-long US occupation and its hasty withdrawal which resulted in the country's lightning takeover by the Taliban.
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