Iran seeks more security for diplomatic missions in Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): Iran says its diplomatic missions in Kabul and Herat have been attacked, seeking enhanced security for its diplomats in Afghanistan.

Less than 15 people gathered outside the Iranian embassy in Kabul while a larger number assembled near its consulate in Herat, IRNA reported on Monday.

Raising anti-Iran slogans and pelting stones at the missions, the protesters attempted to enter the consulate building.

However, the news agency said, they failed as a result of intervention from the Herat governor. Theprotesters were dispersed as Taliban forces and consulate guards fired in the air.

Two Western-funded groups — the Afghan Freedom and Justice Movement and Women Justice Seekers, were behind the incident, the report claimed.

Earlier in the week, Iranian Ambassador Bahador Aminianhad warned that a plot was afoot to damage relations between Kabul and Tehran.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said the Taliban government was responsible for securing diplomatic missions in Afghanistan.

The Iranian embassy and consulates in Herat and other Afghan cities should be given guarantees that they could continue their work in a safe environment, he demanded.

“Full security and a necessary guarantee for safe activity of the embassy and representatives of Iran in Herat and other cities of Afghanistan should be provided,” he was quoted as saying.

PAN Monitor/mud

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