Iran is trying to fight extremism in Afghanistan

According to the foreign policy group Tasnim news agency, Amir Saeed Irwani, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, at the meeting of the United Nations Security Council regarding the “situation in Afghanistan”, emphasized that Iran is still committed to supporting Afghanistan and despite the sanctions, in times of crisis and challenges that the Afghan people face. faced with it, it has kept its borders open to Afghan refugees and displaced persons.

The text of Irani’s speech is as follows:

Mr. President,

Afghanistan continues to face severe economic and humanitarian crises, which have been exacerbated by a significant reduction in international aid. Such a situation severely affects many people, especially women and children.

The report of the Secretary-General (S/2024/469) estimates that 23.7 million Afghans will need humanitarian aid in 2024.

However, as of May 15, only 16.2% of the $3.06 billion needed to help 17.3 million

This instability affects neighboring countries and highlights the need for regional and international cooperation and interaction.

Iran is still committed to supporting Afghanistan, and despite the sanctions, in times of crisis and challenges faced by the Afghan people, it has kept its borders open to Afghan refugees and displaced people, and more than six million It has hosted Afghans at an annual cost of $10 billion.

Iran has provided education to 700,000 Afghan students living in Iran. Also, to promote peace and stability and strengthen Afghanistan’s economy, Iran continues economic and trade relations with Afghanistan and focuses on projects such as Chabahar port, railways and alternative cultivation to reduce drug production. 

However, Iran faces major challenges such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking and calls for more international support.

Last year, Iran seized more than a thousand tons of drugs from Afghanistan, which resulted in the death of many Iranian police forces.

Due to the difficult economic conditions caused by illegal US sanctions and the lack of international aid, Iran cannot alone manage the flow of Afghan refugees and narcotics, which affects the entire region.

The general Iranian people are disappointed with the lack of international support in the management of the refugee crisis and drug trafficking. The international community must provide prompt, adequate and continuous support to host countries such as Iran.

Terrorist threats from inside Afghanistan continue to cause major concerns. Iran has doubts about the ability of the de facto authorities to deal with these threats. However, Mr. Chairman, continued international engagement with de facto authorities is necessary for regional peace and stability. It is Afghanistan, it participates like the meetings of the ministers of the neighboring countries and the Moscow format.

Iran supports Pakistan’s initiative to hold the meetings of the foreign ministers of the neighboring countries of Afghanistan, four rounds of this Meetings have been held and the fifth round is planned in Ashgabat.

At the initiative of Iran, a regional contact group has been formed with the presence of representatives of Iran, Pakistan, China and Russia. Two rounds of these meetings have been held so far.

In the second meeting held on June 8 in Tehran, the participants expressed their deep concerns about the situation in Afghanistan, especially Stated foreign-sponsored terrorist threats affecting neighbors and regions. They emphasized the responsibility of the de facto authorities in dealing with terrorism.

Iran is trying to deal with extremism, terrorism and underdevelopment in Afghanistan and is ready to play an active role in It announces its reconstruction.

Iran welcomes the next round of the Doha process scheduled for June 30 and July 1, 2024.

Iran recognizes the vital role of UNAMA in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and supports the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary General.

During the visit Recently, the special representative of the Secretary General from Tehran on May 11, 2024, the talks were focused on helping the people of Afghanistan and strengthening peace and stability.

And finally, Mr. President, I would like I repeat that humanitarian aid to Afghanistan must remain neutral and unconditional. Any politicization of aid will harm the Afghan people.

Therefore, frozen assets should be returned unconditionally and sanctions should not be an obstacle to economic recovery efforts.

Western countries that have occupied Afghanistan for more than 20 years must fulfill their obligations in rebuilding this country and fighting terrorism.

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