Iran supports formation of inclusive gov’t in Afghanistan

By Abdul-Jabbar Abu Ras

TEHRAN, Iran (AA) – Iran on Monday expressed support for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a weekly press conference that Tehran was closely following the developments in neighboring Afghanistan.

"We are in contact with all parties in Afghanistan," Khatibzadeh said, adding that Iran is ready to facilitate intra-Afghan peace talks.

Iran "will stand by the Afghan people at this critical juncture," he added. “There is no military solution to the problems of Afghanistan and all groups and parties must resolve the issues through negotiation and dialogue.”

The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan after taking the capital Kabul on Aug. 15, forcing the president and other top officials to leave the country.

The unexpected power grab triggered a rush to flee Afghanistan, including civilians who assisted foreign soldiers or groups and now fear Taliban retribution.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara