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Iran ready to host next Afghan peace meeting: Envoy

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, March 18, IRNA -- The permanent envoy of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the UN headquarters in New York, Mohammad Khazaei, said on Thursday that Iran is ready to host the upcoming meeting of Afghanistan Peace Council.

Khazaei made the remark in a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York which focused on Afghanistan's developments.

He elaborated on the views of the Islamic Republic of Iran on latest developments in Afghanistan.

Khazaei said that the pullout of the US-led NATO troops from Afghanistan slated for July 2011 is of paramount importance, adding that the troop pullout should not be followed by setting up military bases in Afghanistan.

He went on say that the presence of foreign troops cannot help to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan and such presence only provides sufficient pretext for Afghan radical groups to continue with their waging war against the West.

Khazaei expressed concern over the increasing casualties of Afghan civilians on the pretext of fighting terrorism.

'A safe and stable Afghanistan with prosperous economy benefits neighbors of Afghanistan. Holding meetings in neighboring countries of Afghanistan at different levels are necessary for reinforcing security and stability in that country,' the envoy added.