HEART CITY – A group of Taliban link>whojoined the peace process in western Herat province has claimed that theywere directed and armed by Iran to disrupt the construction of TurkmenistanAfghanistan Pakistan India (TAPI) gas pipeline, Pajhwok News has reported.

The eight-member groups on Sunday joined the peace process during a specialgathering.

Police Chief Brig. Gen. Mohammad Ayub Ansar told the gathering that theeight-memberTaliban link> group wasinvolved in subversive activities in Pashton Zarghon and Kurkh districts ofHerat and joined the reconciliation process. The group surrendered withseven weapons, eight hand grenades.

He termed the move a positive sign for the security and stability of thedistricts where the group was earlier active.

Deputy Governor Muhaiuddin Noori said co-existence and acceptance of oneanother was the only way to resolve the ongoing crisis. He called on othergroups to get full advantage of the opportunity available and join thereconciliation process.

But Iranian Consulate General in Herat City, rejected the claim and saidbeing a neighbouring country Iran always favored the development andprosperity of Afghanistan.

Iranian Consul Mahmood Afkhami said Tehran supported Afghanistan’sdevelopment and would cooperate every effort that could help theAfghanistan’s uplift.

The Iranian envoy asked the Afghan government to demand proves in supportof their claims so that Iranian and Afghan governments could discuss thematter through talks.