Iran, Tajikistan blame US for Afghan problem

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has blamed the NATO and the US specifically for the situation in Afghanistan, ITAR-TASS reports.

Ahmadinejad is at a conference on regional cooperation in Dushanbe. His statement was followed by the US delegation, under leadership of Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake, leaving the conference hall. The Iranian leader said that the US is trying to surround Russia and China. He urged the NATO and US to leave Afghanistan.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon expressed support for Afghan authorities in peace efforts and stability. He believes that the problem needs more socio-economic attention.

The Tajik leader says that Afghan authorities should be prepared to fight terrorism, extremism, organized crime. He offers support in training border guards and law enforcers in Afghanistan.

Rahmon mentioned the problem of economic restoration of Afghanistan and urged the world society to provide more efficient aid. The Tajik leader says that solution of Afghan problems lies in the hands of Afghan people themselves.

Leaders of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Mark Grossman, Assistant Secretary of State for Southern and Middle Asia Robert Blake, heads of diplomatic missions and offices of international organizations in Tajikistan are taking part in the regional cooperation conference.