Khatami: Iran will spare no efforts to ensure Afghan peace
Tehran, Aug 4, IRNA -- President Mohammad Khatami said here Monday
that Iran will leave no stone unturned for establishing peace in
Afghanistan with UN assistance.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran will spare no effort for peace and
stability in Afghanistan and the success of the United Nations in that
country," he told the Special UN Representative to Afghanistan,
Lakhdar Brahimi.
The president said the international community must heed the
demands of Afghan people and 'not disappoint them'.
"Reconstruction of Afghanistan will calm the Afghan people who are
the pillars of security and make them hopeful," Khatami added.
"Security and stability in Afghanistan is important for all of us
and I believe reconstruction of that country will play a decisive
role."
He cited Iran's participation in building roads, rails and power
lines in Afghanistan, saying the Islamic Republic welcomes assistance
of other countries in this regard.
Khatami also reiterated Tehran's concerns about the increase in
poppy cultivation as well as production and trafficking of narcotic
drugs in Afghanistan.
For his part, Brahimi described the situation in Afghanistan as
'difficult and dangerous' and reiterated the country's need for
attention and support of neighboring countries.
He also conveyed the appreciation of the central government in
Kabul to the Islamic Republic for assisting Afghan people.
Afghanistan needs reconstruction and guarantees of security,
Brahimi said, and called on Iran to play a more active role in this
respect.
The UN special envoy hailed President Khatami's standing in the
world, including because of his proposal for 'dialogue among
civilizations' which was announced an international theme in 2001 by
the United Nations.
"The international community strongly needs the materialization of
dialogue among civilizations," Brahimi said.
BH/AH/210
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