Russia Urges US to Act Honestly in Afghanistan
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The Russian presidential special envoy on Afghanistan urged the US to act honestly and do not ignore Daesh (also known as ISIS or ISIL) terrorist group’s activity in the region.
“The US has a duty to act honestly and in good faith for consolidation of stability in Afghanistan instead of ignoring spread of Daesh activity,” Zamir Kabulov said to Interfax on Thursday.
The official said that if the US Defense Secretary James Mattis fulfills its previous promises “doors will be open for constructive talks with the US on Afghanistan".
The envoy had said also on September that during a meeting in New York with his US counterpart Alice Wells, he expressed his distrust regarding the issue of "unidentified helicopters" in the north of Afghanistan that were transferring Daesh and their ammunition.
"Among the problems that we have, I identified the distrust that we have in connection with these mysterious helicopters transferring ISIL militants, their weapons, ammunition," Kabulov said.
Hence, US defense secretary told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday that “If there's an opportunity to, you know, poke us in the eye, they'll do it. Even if it's against their own interest.”
The US official has called cooperation with Russia beneficial, noting that Moscow is attempting to increase its role in South Asia region.
Sources inside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation had previously reported talks between Moscow and Washington on the US new strategy for Afghanistan. However, Russia on many occasions has declared its opposition with the new US strategy.