Iran, Russia, Afghanistan relations reinforce stability in region, says Gen. Nicholson
Monitoring Desk: U.S. Military Commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Nicholson has said that positive relationship among Iran, Russia and Afghanistan would reinforce stability of Afghanistan.
He was of the view that regional neighbours share common interests and concerns especially concerns about presence of Islamic State known also as Daesh in Afghanistan and narcotics trafficking from Afghanistan to neighbouring countries.
In an interview with Kabul Bureau Chief of The Washington Post, Pamela Constable, he hopped that neighbouring countries realized that the support of neighbours to the Afghan government and its forces would help to defeat terrorists.
He stated that narcotics trafficking out of Afghanistan and into Iran and Russia results (resulted) in tens of thousands of deaths every year and these nations (Iran and Russia) and they would work closely with Afghanistan to cooperate against the flow of narcotics.
When asked to share US viewpoint over Iran-Afghanistan relations, he stated that both countries (Iran-Afghanistan) have (had) mutual interest like potential economic route from Central Asia through Afghanistan connecting Iranian Port of Chabahar with Central Asia.
“I would hope that these areas of mutual interest would be used to build a positive relationship that would reinforce the stability of Afghanistan, not undermine it”, stated Gen. Nicholson.
Responding to a question, Gen. Nicholson expressed his surprise over information that Iran collaborates with Taliban and mentioned that Taliban had murdered Iranian diplomats during Taliban rule in past.
“It’s surprising to hear of Iranian support to these people who are not their natural allies”, commented Gen. Nicholson.
Answering a question about warning of US President Trump to Pakistan over allegedly housing terrorists, Gen. Nicholson said that Pakistanis had suffered grievously at the hands of terrorists, and they had their security forces that fought and fight bravely, and courageously against terrorists inside their country.
“On the other hand, President Trump laid out the current state of U.S.-Pakistan relations, and I really have nothing to add to that. I think we are at a crucial point in our relations, and this’ll be managed from Washington to Islamabad. That’s about all I have to say about that. I hope, you know, as the president said, there’s much to gain by working together with us (Pak-US)”, indicated Gen. Nicholson.
Responding a question about proposal of sending private contractors to substitute for government troops in Afghanistan, Gen Nicholson said that President Trump considered other options including sending private contractors before deciding (announcing etc) new Afghan strategy but then president made a decision (of keeping and increasing US regular Army in Afghanistan).
