Statement by H.E. Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi

Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

At the virtual meeting of the 6+2+1 format on Afghanistan

New York, 16 April 2020

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In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Distinguished moderator,

I thank USG Ms. DiCarlo and incoming SRSG Ms. Deborah Lyons. I welcome the Secretary-General’s initiative to convene this virtual meeting on Afghanistan. I also welcome the presence of Afghanistan’s Permanent Representative in this meeting as a full member of the Format. 

This meeting is very timely particularly when Afghanistan continues to face serious challenges including the threats posed by Daesh which are on the rise in certain parts of this country.

My remarks today are based on the proposed agenda and are as follows:

1 - The purpose of the 6+2+1 Format must be to exchange views on how to support the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan towards the establishment of a durable peace in that country.

2 - Peace negotiations must be a truly intra-Afghan; it means an inclusive UN-facilitated Afghan-led Afghan-owned process involving all Afghan factions, including the Taliban. Iran will spare no effort to support such intra-Afghan negotiations as soon as the conditions permit. 

Iran welcomes the ongoing talks between Mr. Ghani and Mr. Abdollah with the aim of settling differences and the forming of a negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and its readiness to hold direct talks with the Taliban. In our opinion, such talks should start irrespective of the status of the prisoners’ swap.

Negotiations must be based on preserving Afghanistan’s past achievements, particularly its Constitution and political system as well as other institutions derived therefrom. Afghanistan’s Government must have the central role in any peace effort. 

The process shall be facilitated and supported by the international community and duly take into account the legitimate interests and concerns of Afghanistan’s neighbors. However, the right to decide Afghanistan’s future belongs exclusively to the people of Afghanistan.

We reiterate our support for the UNSG’s call for a global ceasefire.

we also reiterate our strong call for a time-bound and responsible withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan regardless of their mandate and structure. We also underline that every effort should be made to support and strengthen Afghanistan’s military and security forces.

3- On future role of the Format, we believe it is a useful forum to support the endeavor of the people Afghanistan towards peace, stability and prosperity. The UN must play a central role in this Format and coordinate its meetings. Any possible outcome document of the Format must be agreed upon by consensus. The Format should be seen as complementary and not duplicating other forums. However, we need to be available to engage with other groups, as appropriate. We stand ready to actively participate in future meetings of this Format at the level of Permanent Representatives in New York and to constructively contribute to its efforts. 

I thank you.