Zarif: Iran favors stability in Afghanistan

Tehran, Jan 29, IRNA – Foreign Minister, Mohammad-Javad Zarif, said on Sunday that Iran wants stability in Afghanistan and Tehran’s efforts fall in line with stability in the country. Zarif made the remarks in a meeting with the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Tadamichi Yamamoto, in Tehran on Sunday. Zarif said Iran is ready for close cooperation with the UN and its other agencies in all areas of expectation in Afghanistan. He said Iran supports the National Unity Government of Afghanistan, adding that Iran’s policy falls in line with establishment of stability in Afghanistan and supporting all the UN efforts in connection with the initiatives for establishment of peace in Afghanistan by the organization. Yamamoto said in turn that Iran’s measures in connection with Afghanistan have been constructive, strongly supporting the National Unity Government of Afghanistan. He said security conditions in Afghanistan have worsened following exit of foreign forces from the country and despite efforts of Afghan government in the past one and half years to establish peace, the civilian fatalities are still high. He urged continued constructive role of Iran for establishment of peace and stability in the country. 1378/IRNA