Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said here yesterday that Iran supports the government of Afghan President Hamed Karzai, reported the Iranian news agency IRNA today. "We support the government of Karzai so that while restoring security to Afghanistan, it would take stability, reconstruction and development of the country seriously," stated Mottaki in a meeting with the EU envoy in Afghanistan Francesco Vendrel. Mottaki noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran has contributed to many reconstruction projects in Afghanistan. He criticized western states for disrespect of the region's potentials, particularly those in Afghanistan, in the reconstruction of the country. He added that as far as security is concerned and given the unprecedented growth in cultivation and production of drugs, there are signs of certain countries' interference in Afghanistan that prevent restoration of security and tranquility. He affirmed Iran's contacts with Afghan government to secure restoration of peace and security in that country. -- SPA
