Amir-Abdollahian: US is root cause of Afghanistan problems
The Iranian Foreign Minister has expressed that the long-term occupation in Afghanistan and misguided policies of its occupiers are the root cause of its problems.
According to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the fundamental reason for Afghanistan's troubles is the long-term occupation and erroneous policies of the invaders, particularly the United States.
Speaking during the third meeting of Afghanistan's neighbors Conference in Tunxi, China on Wednesday, the foreign minister said that the occupation did not contribute to the country's development but rather resulted in the "collapse" of its political and economic structures following the disastrous withdrawal.
After thanking China for its hospitality and holding the meeting, the Iranian foreign minister expressed that after the many challenges and struggles that Afghanistan has witnessed, neighbors are hopeful for many things regarding the nation.
There is hope, according to Amir-Abdollahian, for Afghan interest in establishing peace and looking for diplomatic solutions, regional convergence, particularly between neighbors of Afghanistan, and hope that the world does not forget its hardships.
The FM however did cite fears of terrorist activity still by groups such as ISIS within the country, as well as fear of problems arising from occupier interference.
Amir-Abdollahian touched on the fact that the US still has not released the frozen funds of Afghanistan, and that its people are suffering and in economic distress.
Read more: Biden to split $7 billion in frozen Afghan funds
"An inclusive government is crucial to achieve social delicacies and specificities in the political sphere of the country."
"All countries must act to release Afghanisntan's assets in any manner that could help the humanitarian situation," he added.
US is the root cause of all problems in Afghanistan
Regarding the US' role in Afghanistan, the Iranian diplomat expressed that the primary cause of Afghanistan's troubles is the long-term occupation and flawed policies of the occupiers, most notably the United States.
The long-term occupation of Afghanistan did not help its growth, but rather created a dependency that ended in the collapse of Kabul's political and economic systems when the invaders fled, leaving the oppressed people of Afghanistan as losers and victims. Unfortunately, such a non-constructive approach is still in place.
Amir-Abdollahian stressed that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is difficult and half of the people are in need of assistance to obtain basic needs.
The FM noted that Iran hosts hundreds of thousands of refugee Afghans and that it is ready to cooperate with other countries interested in contributing to the assistance of Afghans.
He concluded by telling attendees that in order for Afghanistan to achieve a safe and secure place, neighbors must "enhance cooperation and expand assistance" to its people, while making efforts to "strengthen political dialogue in Afghan society so that the ruling establishment and various social and political groups reach a better understanding and proximity and facilitate more interaction."
"Having a secure, stable and developed Afghanistan is our wish for each and every single one of Afghan sisters and brothers as well as the people of the region," he added.