Iran Considering Participation at Russia Meeting on Afghan Peace

Asked by reporters about the possibility of Iran’s participation at the Moscow meeting on Afghan peace negotiations and a recent visit by the Pakistani prime minister’s special representative for Afghanistan to Tehran, Saeed Khatibzadeh said at a press conference on Monday, “The issue of invitation to the meeting in Russia is being considered.”

“We’ve held close consultations with all countries about Afghanistan,” he noted.

“Naturally, these negotiations are held within the framework of the Afghan government,” the Iranian spokesman added.

Last week, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Kabul was considering an offer from Russia to host talks on the stalled Afghan peace process.

“We have received an invitation from the government of the Russian Federation addressed to the leadership of the government of Afghanistan for participation in this conference and are aware about their invitation of other national personalities and political leaders,” Gran Hewad told Arab News on March 9.

“We will soon begin consultations on what sort of decision we take on it. We appreciate the efforts of the Russian Federation’s government with regards to peace,” the Afghan diplomat noted.

Iran maintains that the efforts for peace in Afghanistan must include intra-Afghan negotiations with the participation of all Afghan groups and in compliance with the Constitution.