Deputy FM Araqchi, UNAMA official meet in Tehran

The UN Secretary General’s Deputy Special Representative (Political) for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Ingrid Hayden, had a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi .

The UN Secretary General’s Deputy Special Representative (Political) for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Ingrid Hayden, who was in Tehran for consultations with Iranian officials about Afghanistan’s issues, had a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi on Tuesday evening.

In the meeting, the two sides discussed the security situation in Afghanistan and the prospect of future political developments, particularly the presidential election and the peace process in that country.

The Iranian diplomat expressed doubts about the US intentions in Afghanistan, stressed the need for the adoption of regional approaches and for the active partnership of the neighboring states for advancement of the peace process with the Afghan government having the pivotal role and being involved, and described consultations with all Afghan political factions as the condition for achieving sustainable peace
Araqchi also rejected the policy of elimination and unilateralism in the peace process, stressing, “Consultation with the neighbors of Afghanistan and addressing their concerns will guarantee the Afghan government’s success in implementing any peace agreement.”

He also voiced support for the coming presidential election of Afghanistan in September, highlighted the helpful assistance the UNAMA’s potential could provide for the Afghan government in holding a transparent and fair presidential election, and called on the United Nations to play an active role in this regard.

The two sides also talked about the presence of ISIS in Afghanistan as a threat to peace and security in the region, and about the necessity for cooperation in the fight against the terrorist group.