An Iranian team to investigate into reports that Iranian border guards forced a group of Afghan migrants into a river arrived in Kabul yesterday and met with the Afghan FM, Mohammad Hanif Atmar, read a statement by the foreign ministry.
Mr. Atmar acknowledged that the purpose of the investigation was to obtain the facts, identify the perpetrators and take measures to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, which could affect the good bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.
Mr. Mohsin Baharvand, meanwhile, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and condemned it in strongest terms, according to the Afghan Foreign Ministry’s statement.
Such an act was not acceptable to the people and government of Iran, said the Iranian delegation, adding that Iran is ready to investigate the incident together with the Afghan probe team to ensure justice.
The Iranian delegation headed by Mr. Mohsen Baharvand, the deputy minister of foreign affairs of Iran, also transported a consignment of medical equipment and supplies to Kabul aimed at combating the novel coronavirus, the statement further added.
At least 54 migrants on early May illegally crossed into Iran, where they were first tortured and then forced into the “Harirud” river by Iranian guards.
Out of the total migrants, some were pronounced dead and others were either drowned or missing, according to Afghan officials.
The Iranian probe team has also met with the Afghan Chairman of High Peace Council, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah to discuss the issue.
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