Iran demands clarity on 1998 killing of diplomats in Mazar-e-Sharif

KABUL (Agencies): The Iranian Foreign Ministry urged Afghanistan’s interim Taliban administration to provide more details regarding the 25-year-old “terrorist” incident that claimed the lives of eight Iranian diplomats and a journalist in Mazar-i-Sharif. The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the “bitter and unforgettable” atrocity in a statement on its anniversary, honoured those who lost their lives and urged the Taliban administration to provide “clarity” on the incident. The Taliban stormed the Iranian consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif on August 8, 1998, killing journalist Mahmoud Saremi and eight diplomats. People condemned the carnage throughout the world. Meanwhile, the ministry added that it was “in contradiction with the moral, humanitarian and international commitments.” Since then, Iran has declared August 8 to be National Reporter Day. Iran accused the Taliban of being responsible for the deaths following the attack, but the Taliban denied this, saying that “renegade forces” had killed the Iranians instead. The statement also emphasized establishing an inclusive administration in Afghanistan representing all ethnic groups, bringing peace and progress to the war-torn country.