ISLAMABAD, Nov 20: Iran fully supports the idea of a broad-based, multi-ethnic and representative government in Afghanistan chosen independently by Afghan people themselves.

This was stated by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mohsin Aminzadeh during a press conference at the Iranian embassy here on Tuesday.

“Our prime concern is the security and stability of Afghanistan. We want a government there which is friendly to its neighbours, and bring peace to Afghanistan,” he said.

About Pakistan-Iran relations, Mr Aminzadeh said that both the countries had very close and sincere relationship, being very good neighbours.

“Pakistan is very important to us as we have age-old cultural and historical bonds.”

He said that during his visit he had very useful discussion with Pakistan officials, and hoped that political and economic relationship would be enhanced between Iran and Pakistan.

Talking about Afghanistan, the minister said Pakistan and Iran had suffered more than any other nation except the Afghans and, therefore, both the countries were desirous of bringing about peace and stability to Afghanistan.

Replying to a question about a possible role of Zahir Shah in future political dispensation in Afghanistan, he said the country needed a future political dispensation and not the‘personalities’.

“We believe the Afghans need a home-grown government and the international community must create conditions which could facilitate this process,” he said. Supporting the representation of Pashtoons in a broad-based government, according to their population, Mr Aminzadeh, however, opposed the idea of including the people in the future government who have “Taliban mentality.”

“We have to have a better definition of terrorism. We are not opposed to the people who defied Taliban thinking. The people with better ideas should be accommodated,” he said.

HE SAID: “We believe Pashtoons must have share in a future political dispensation according to the ratio of their population. Earlier, he met President Pervez Musharraf and presented a letter from President Khatami.—APP