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Iravani said at a UN Security Council meeting on the “Situation in Afghanistan” on Friday local time that humanitarian aid to Afghanistan should remain neutral and unconditional.
He added: “Any attempt to politicize aid would harm the interests of the Afghan people.”
The following is the full text of Iravani’s speech at the UN Security Council meeting:
Mr. President, I thank you for convening this public briefing.
I thank Special Representative Ms. Otunbayeva and Ms. Lisa Doughten, Director of the Financing and Partnerships Division of OCHA, for their briefings.
Mr.president,
Afghanistan continues to face a severe economic and humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by a sharp reduction in international aid, which has had a profound impact on many people, especially women and children.
The Secretary-General’s report (S/2024/469) estimates that 23.7 million Afghans will require humanitarian assistance in 2024.
However, as of May 15, only 16.2% of the required $3.06 billion had been raised, and this money would only help 17.3 million people.
This instability affects neighbouring countries, highlighting the need for regional and international cooperation and engagement.
Iran has consistently supported Afghanistan, opened its borders to Afghan displaced persons and refugees at critical moments and challenges facing the Afghan people, and hosted more than 6 million Afghans at a cost of $10 billion per year despite sanctions.
Iran provides education to 700,000 Afghan students living in Iran.
Furthermore, in order to promote peace and stability and strengthen the Afghan economy, Iran continues to maintain economic and commercial ties with Afghanistan, focusing on projects such as the Chabahar Port, railways, and alternative crop cultivation to curb drug production.
However, Iran faces severe challenges such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking and calls for increased support from the international community.
Iran seized more than 1,000 tons of Afghan drugs last year, and several Iranian law enforcement officers were killed.
Iran, with its dire economic situation due to illegal US sanctions and lack of international aid, cannot cope on its own with the influx of Afghan refugees and drugs, which affects the entire region.
The Iranian public is frustrated by the lack of international support for its handling of the refugee and drug trafficking crises.
The international community must provide prompt, adequate and sustained support to recipient countries, including Iran.
The terrorist threats in Afghanistan remain a concern, and Iran doubts the de facto authorities’ ability to effectively combat them.
Having said that, Mr. President, sustained engagement between the international community and the de facto authorities is essential for regional peace and stability.
Iran actively participates in regional initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue with Afghanistan, such as the Neighboring Ministerial Conference and the Moscow Format.
Iran supports Pakistan’s initiative to convene a meeting of foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries. Four rounds of meetings have been held so far, and the fifth round will be held in Ashgabat.
At Iran’s initiative, a regional contact group was established, with representatives from Iran, Pakistan, China and Russia as members, and two rounds of meetings have been held so far.
At the second meeting in Tehran on June 8, the participants expressed deep concern about the situation in Afghanistan, especially the ongoing threat of foreign-backed terrorism in Afghanistan, which affects neighboring countries and the region. They stressed that the de facto authorities have the responsibility to combat terrorism.
Iran advocates addressing extremism, terrorism and underdevelopment in Afghanistan and is willing to play an active role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction.
Iran welcomes the next round of the Doha process scheduled for June 30-July 1, 2024.
Iran recognizes the important role of UNAMA in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and supports the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.
During the visit of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Tehran on 11 May 2024, discussions focused on assisting the Afghan people and strengthening peace and stability.
Finally, Mr. President, I would like to reiterate that humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan must remain impartial and unconditional.
Any attempt to politicize aid would harm the interests of the Afghan people.
Therefore, frozen assets should be returned unconditionally and sanctions should not hinder economic revitalization efforts.
Western countries have occupied Afghanistan for more than two decades and must fulfill their commitments to rebuild Afghanistan and fight terrorism.
thank you.
2050
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