January 30, 2002	Wednesday	Ziqa’ad 15, 1422

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WASHINGTON, Jan 29: Afghanistan’s interim leader Hamid Karzai said here on Tuesday his country hoped to have the best of relations with Pakistan, Iran and all neighbours.

Speaking at a news conference at the National Press Club, Mr Karzai, who is on an official visit to Washington, said at present there was no cause for any anxiety about outside interference in Afghan affairs, but if it took place, then he would be “very, very vocal” about it.

Replying to reports of alleged Iranian supplies of weapons to factions in Afghanistan, Mr Karzai said there were reports of people being supported from neighbouring countries. But there was a dialogue going on with Iran on a regular basis. He said he had talked to President Mohammad Khatami and hoped to visit Iran soon.

On relations with Pakistan, Mr Karzai pointed out that Gen Pervez Musharraf was the first leader to telephone him when he (Karzai) was still in the mountains and was on his way to Kandahar and Kabul to take over as head of the interim administration.