Danger of a military conflict and the repeat of the devastation, which was brought about by Iran-Iraq war, once again threatens the people of our region. Taliban action in murdering Iranian diplomats is indeed a criminal and anti human action which should be condemned forthright. Taliban forces, with active military and intelligence support from Pakistan, massive funds from Saudi Arabian and CIA’s tacit approval, have plunged Afghanistan in blood and destruction and massacred thousands of innocent people.

The world public has not yet forgotten that how a reactionary axis in namely Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran with US and British co-operation and pouring of tens of billions of dollars imposed an undeclared war against the ruling national democratic government and the majority of Afghanistan people. These same forces should be held accountable for imposing the present catastrophe onto the people of our region. Today Taliban, with its military might and widespread resources provided by its backers, has turned into an extremely dangerous mercenary force whose actions could be catastrophic for the entire region. Even the Western mass media does not hide the fact that Oil monopolies, and in particular American companies, who are planning to plunder the region’s natural wealth and especially the vast oil and gas deposits, openly support Taliban and are prepared to employ all their resources to maintain the position of these forces. The open and direct support of the Pakistan army for Taliban should be analyzed as part of this strategic investment of monopolies and imperialism in the region.

The reactionary forces within the Islamic regime in Iran who in nature and actions do not have much difference with Afghan Taliban are inclined to exploit the current tense atmosphere for consolidation of their own political fortunes. The eight year war between Iran and Iraq not only resulted in the death and maiming of 100’s of thousands of people, but prepared the grounds for the reactionary forces to consolidate their dictatorial rule over both countries. Any new military conflict not only benefits the reactionary forces of the region but also serves the interests of world imperialism.

Today also, with the spread of the pro democracy slogans and deepening of the popular protest movement against the continued dictatorial rule, there is a serious danger that by entering this dangerous military adventure, the reactionary forces attempt to prepare the ground for wide spread suppression of the movement and inflicting once an irretrievable disaster on the Iranian people.

We consider any adventurous decision as a play with fire which could lead to extensive military conflict across the region. Progressive forces in the region can not align themselves with such adventurist and dangerous policies. Confronting tension and the danger of war is an important and serious responsibility, which demands the sense of responsibility of all peace loving and progressive forces.

While condemning the criminal act of the Taliban mercenaries, we believe that any military conflict and heightening of tension in the region only benefit the reactionary and imperialist forces and should be confronted.

Afghanistan’s problems should be solved peacefully and through negotiations. Supporting the popular forces in Afghanistan, intensifying international pressure on Taliban and Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the USA, as the main backers of Taliban, for ending the civil war are amongst the ways, which could be proposed as solution of the problem. The threat of military conflict is a danger that not only threatens Iran and Afghanistan but many of the neighboring countries. We must consciously and in co-operation with other forces, increase the political and diplomatic pressures aimed at solving the problem. We are for peace in the region.