DUSHANBE, November 25, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Iran is seriously concerned over the current situation in Afghanistan, Iranian Ambassador to Tajikistan, Ali-Asghar Sherdoust, remarked at an international conference “Central Asia and Afghanistan: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects” in Dushanbe yesterday.

Eight years after the overthrow of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the situation there remains tense and there are no prospects for overcoming the crisis, he noted.

“Unstable situation, extension of geography of mutiny, increasing drug trafficking and inefficient fight against terrorism have led to a critical situation in Afghanistan, and therefore, new strategy and more careful attitude of international communities are needed to resolve the Afghan problems,” said Ambassador Sherdoust, “Reestablishment of peace, stability and security in Afghanistan is one of regional priorities of Iran.”

Iranian diplomat stressed that unstable situation in Afghanistan could affect Iran and other neighboring countries.

“It is impossible to resolve Afghanistan’s problems by force,” noted he.  “Countries friendly to Afghanistan ought to pay attention to acceleration of the process of improvement of police and the army of this country,”