U.S. Troops Must Leave Afghanistan: Iran Envoy
UNITED NATIONS (Dispatches) -- Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations has said U.S. troops must leave Afghanistan where security is non-existence after years of American invasion.
"After almost two decades of U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, it is quite clear that the U.S. has no choice, but to leave that country, and the sooner, the better,” Majid Takht-Ravanchi told a meeting of the UN General Assembly on Afghanistan.
"As we have stated time and again, the time-bound and responsible withdrawal of all foreign forces is a strong national demand of the people of Afghanistan,” said Takht-Ravanchi.
"The increase in attacks by Daesh is a source of grave concern and underlines the need for combating them seriously and resolutely,” he said.
Certain countries, he said, help transfer Daesh elements from Syria and Iraq to Afghanistan, which has significantly boosted the combat capability of the terror group.
"Therefore those countries are also responsible for the crimes committed by Daesh,” said the Iranian envoy.
Afghanistan, he said, is passing through a critical juncture and there are alarming trends in its political and security domains.
He called on all parties to help reach a national reconciliation permanent ceasefire deal. The Iranian ambassador asked Afghan parties to "exercise maximum restraint” and avoid any actions that could deteriorate the security situation in the country.
Takht-Ravanchi further highlighted the importance of the upcoming presidential election in the country.
He said numerous efforts are being made to hold a successful presidential election on September 28, but there are attempts to undermine this important event”.
"Holding a free and fair presidential election can further enhance the democratic institutions of this country,” said Takht-Ravanchi.
He also urged the UN and the international community to support the elections process and help hold the vote as scheduled.
"Iran also urges all Afghan parties and political groups as well as all Afghans eligible to vote to actively participate in the election as it is essential for the improvement of the security and socio-economic conditions of Afghanistan.”
"After almost two decades of U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, it is quite clear that the U.S. has no choice, but to leave that country, and the sooner, the better,” Majid Takht-Ravanchi told a meeting of the UN General Assembly on Afghanistan.
"As we have stated time and again, the time-bound and responsible withdrawal of all foreign forces is a strong national demand of the people of Afghanistan,” said Takht-Ravanchi.
"The increase in attacks by Daesh is a source of grave concern and underlines the need for combating them seriously and resolutely,” he said.
Certain countries, he said, help transfer Daesh elements from Syria and Iraq to Afghanistan, which has significantly boosted the combat capability of the terror group.
"Therefore those countries are also responsible for the crimes committed by Daesh,” said the Iranian envoy.
Afghanistan, he said, is passing through a critical juncture and there are alarming trends in its political and security domains.
He called on all parties to help reach a national reconciliation permanent ceasefire deal. The Iranian ambassador asked Afghan parties to "exercise maximum restraint” and avoid any actions that could deteriorate the security situation in the country.
Takht-Ravanchi further highlighted the importance of the upcoming presidential election in the country.
He said numerous efforts are being made to hold a successful presidential election on September 28, but there are attempts to undermine this important event”.
"Holding a free and fair presidential election can further enhance the democratic institutions of this country,” said Takht-Ravanchi.
He also urged the UN and the international community to support the elections process and help hold the vote as scheduled.
"Iran also urges all Afghan parties and political groups as well as all Afghans eligible to vote to actively participate in the election as it is essential for the improvement of the security and socio-economic conditions of Afghanistan.”