Afghanistan yesterday announced its readiness to help reduce tension
between its western neighbor the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States
if they ask for, Presidential spokesman Mohammad Karim Rahimi said.
"Afghanistan always supports peace and wants the regional disputes to be
solved through negotiations in the framework of international laws and that is
why Afghanistan is ready to play positive role if asked," Rahimi told newsmen at
a press briefing here.
Afghanistan's newly appointed Foreign Minister Rangeen Dadfar Spanta in his
recent interview with a German newspaper also expressed Kabul's readiness to
mediate between Tehran and Washington over Iran's nuclear program, which the
White House has been strongly opposing.
Iran describes the program solely for peaceful purposes while the U.S. termed
it a weapon-oriented one and opposed it.
Rahimi's comment is taking place weeks ahead of President HamidKarzai's
official visit to Iran.
"Matters pertaining bilateral relations and regional issues will come under
discussion during Karzai's visit to Iran," he noted but declined to give the
exact date of the tour.
