ISLAMABAD – Iran says a peace deal signed by the Taliban and the UnitedStates is an attempt by Washington to justify its illegal presence inAfghanistan, stressing that only domestic talks can stabilize the war-torncountry.
The reaction by Iran’s Foreign Ministry Sunday came a day after US andTaliban representatives signed a pact aimed at gradually withdrawingforeign troops from Afghanistan. Iran said it “believes a lasting peaceagreement in Afghanistan will only be achieved through inter-Afghandialogue with the participation of the country’s political groups,including the Taliban, and by taking into account the concerns ofAfghanistan’s neighbours.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes any development that contributes topeace and stability in Afghanistan and supports efforts being made in thisregard under the Afghan leadership and sovereignty,” it said in astatement. Iran said it “believes that the presence of foreign troops inAfghanistan is illegal and is one of the main reasons for the war andinsecurity in that country.”
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“The withdrawal of these forces is essential to achieving peace andsecurity in Afghanistan, and any action that provides the ground for thewithdrawal of these forces will contribute to peace in that country,” thestatement said.
