Iran Envoy Urges UN To Counter Cultivation, Smuggling Of Drugs In Afghanistan

UN, Sept 21, IRNA – Iran Ambassador and Permanent Representative in the United Nations Gholamhossein Dehqani said on Thursday that international institutes should deal seriously with the drug cultivation in Afghanistan and smuggling, which serves as a financial source for the extremists and terrorists. Addressing the UN session on Thursday, which focused on Afghanistan, said that promoting ties with the neighbors, including Afghanistan, is one of priorities of Iran's foreign policy. Referring to Iran’s efforts for expanding commercial and economic cooperation with Afghanistan within the framework of regional initiatives, Dehqani added that drug smuggling, terrorism and extremism are among ten main issues which should be uprooted through regional collaboration. “Iran welcomes regional cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbors to create a better atmosphere through confidence building,” he said. Pointing to world report declaring 15 percent increase in puppy cultivation in 2103, with the main portion pertaining to Afghanistan, he said that the revenues will not only affect the country’s economic growth but also undermines security in it and in the region. Dehqani also called for more serious measures by the international community to help fight the challenge. “Iran will support UN’s constructive role to improve the conditions in Afghanistan,” he noted./end