US pullout from Afghanistan a positive move, says Iran

KABUL (Pajhwok): Iran has hailed the US announcement of withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan as a positive move, urging the Taliban to shun violence.

Foreign Minister Jawad said his country, believing the presence of foreign troops had not been beneficial to regional security, welcomed a responsible pullout of US forces from Afghanistan.

Addressing the virtual Raisina Dialogue in the Indian capital on Friday, Zarif asked the Taliban not to use the American exit as an opportunity to escalate violence.

IRNA quoted him as called for the insurgent movement to immediately launch result-oriented negotiations with the Afghan government.

“The Taliban can be part of the negotiating process, but they cannot control it,” the foreign minister remarked, saying Iran and the region would not allow Afghanistan to return to war.

PAN Monitor/mud

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