Iran FM urges unity government in Afghanistan

Iran's foreign minister has underscored the need for the establishment of an inclusive national unity government in Afghanistan.

In a Sunday meeting in Tehran with the United Nations Special Representative for Afghanistan Ján Kubiš, Mohammad Javad Zarif called for the formation of a unity government based on a true partnership involving the two rival Afghan presidential candidates.

Zarif pointed to the contributions by the Islamic Republic to help the development of Afghanistan and emphasized Tehran’s role in strengthening stability and peace in the war-stricken country.

The top Iranian diplomat also pointed to Iran’s principle policy of non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, saying the country’s problems should be solved by Afghans themselves.

He further expressed Tehran’s readiness to provide any help needed to settle the troubles gripping Afghanistan.

The UN official, for his part, thanked Iran for its efforts in restoring peace in Afghanistan and highlighted the role of Afghanistan's neighboring states in preserving stability in the country.

The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to plague the country, despite the presence of thousands of US-led troops.

Earlier this month, Afghanistan’s rival presidential candidates, Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, agreed to form a national unity government aimed at preventing the country from going deeper into political chaos after a disputed run-off election.