UN envoys in Iran to discuss Afghanistan and Yemen situations

UN envoys visited the Iranian capital Tuesday to discuss the situation in war-ravaged Yemen and neighbouring Afghanistan.

The UN envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, and envoy to Afghanistan, Jean Arnault, first met with Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tehran, according to a statement by the foreign ministry.

The statement - obtained by The New Arab’s sister site - announced that the meeting between Zarif and Griffiths discussed the various dimensions of the Yemeni crisis and how to reach peace and stability in the country.

Iran backs the Houthi rebels in Yemen which took control of the capital Sanaa in 2015.

Zarif explained his country's stance on ending the Yemeni war during the meeting, adding "the necessity of lifting the siege and facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people."

He stressed that "war is not a solution to the Yemeni crisis," noting that the solution comes "through political dialogue and peaceful methods."

For his part, Griffiths explained to Zarif the results on his negotiations with various parties involved in the Yemeni conflict, according to the foreign ministry’s statement.

Zarif also discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan with Arnault, as he affirmed "Iran's support for inter Afghan dialogue".

Arnault also stressed the importance of the role played by Afghanistan’s neighbours.

He added that Afghanistan's problems are "solved through collective measures", noting that he seeks to focus his efforts "on finding a path for collective cooperation to solve these problems".

Taliban insurgents have made huge gains across Afghanistan in recent months, as violent attacks targeting the military and civilians continue.

The US plans to pull its troops from there in September this year, ending its 20-year presence in the country.