MP Boroujerdi: US presence in Afghanistan increases regional threats

A parliamentarian said here on Sunday that presence of US and certain European states in Afghanistan has increased security threats against regional countries.

Chairman of National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of Majlis Alaeddin Boroujerdi made the remark in a meeting with Director General of Security Department of Norwegian Foreign Ministry Kare R Aas.

Boroujerdi stressed that presence of foreign forces in the region is the root cause of all regional instabilities.

Occupation of Afghanistan which took place under the pretext of fighting against terrorism, has only resulted in increase in narcotics production, the MP said.

He reiterated that Tehran pursues strengthening of regional peace and stability that will be ensured only through regional cooperation.

Criticizing the West’s double-standard policies, he said the West must respect decisions made by the regional countries.

On Syrian developments, Boroujerdi said the country’s crisis should be settled solely through internal diplomacy.

The Norwegian official, for his part, said his country supports the peace plan proposed by the United Nations’ special envoy to Syria Kofi Annan.

He then appreciated the Islamic Republic of Iran’s efforts to bring peace and tranquility to the Afghan cities.