Iran’s Envoy Seeks A UN Special Representative With Deep Understanding Of Afghanistan

Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran's envoy to Afghanistan, stressed that the UN Special Representative should have a profound understanding of Afghanistan and be derived from a country with substantial familiarity and collaboration with Kabul.

Qomi highlighted that during the discussions in Doha, UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the critical role of regional nations in addressing Afghan matters.

In an interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on Wednesday, Kazemi Qomi, who also serves as the Islamic Republic's ambassador in Kabul, elaborated on the qualifications for the new UN envoy.

He underscored the necessity for the appointee to originate from an area deeply connected and cooperative with Afghanistan, reflecting a consensus on the importance of regional engagement in Guterres' summarisation of the meeting.

Iran's special representative stressed on the pivotal role of neighbouring countries in fostering stability and security within Afghanistan.

He noted the Doha meeting's efforts to galvanise international support for the UN's regional initiative, tackling critical issues such as terrorism, migration, narcotics, border security, and the pursuit of a political consensus.

The Doha conference which concluded on Monday, did not see the participation of Taliban representatives and witnessed Iranian and Russian delegates abstaining from meeting with Afghan civil society and women's groups at the Taliban's behest.

Previously criticised by Iran's national broadcaster as "fruitless," the Doha meeting was defended by Secretary-General Guterres, who argued that the Taliban's non-participation did not detract from the meeting's efficacy, asserting the productive nature of the discussions held.