Araghchi: IEA has consolidated power across Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has consolidated its power across the country in the past three years, the Iranian foreign minister says.

In an interview with Khabar Online, Sayed Abbas Araghchi said, different corners of Afghanistan were under the control of different factions in the past, but the current situation was different. Sovereignty and security were in place, he acknowledged.

Araghchi clarified: “It is a reality that a power is ruling Afghanistan, unlike in the past when every corner of Afghanistan was under the control of a party. This is not the case now and the IEA has consolidated security.”

Iran’s right over Afghanistan’s water was a major and serious issue, involving its national interests, and must be addressed, the foreign minister commented.

Araghchi pointed to his trip to Kabul and said: “It is a reality that there are some serious issues between Afghanistan and Iran which must be addressed and the two countries must discuss them.”

Iranian Ambassador in Kabul Alireza Bigdeli had earlier told ISNA their proximity and shared interests necessitated regular communication between officials and people of the two countries.

aw/mud