The countries’ officials exchanged views on the latest political situation in Afghanistan, the differences emerged following the recent presidential election in the country and Afghanistan’s peace negotiations, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry’s official website.

During the talks with Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, Zarif reiterated the importance of the political structures based on Afghanistan’s Constitution in the country’s peace process and national reconciliation and stressed Tehran’s support for the peace process with the participation of all Afghan political groups within the framework of the country’s Constitution.

Both sides also discussed issues of mutual interests as well as cooperation between Tehran and Kabul in the fight against the new coronavirus outbreak.

Following talks with Zarif, Abdullah Abdullah in a message on his Facebook account said that they also discussed the two countries’ regional cooperation, the coronavirus outbreak as well as the challenges facing Afghan immigrants in Iran.

He said that Zarif has assured him of necessary cooperation with the Afghan immigrants infected by the coronavirus.

Zarif-Cavusoglu talks

The top Iranian diplomat also held a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday.

During the talks, Zarif voiced Iran’s readiness to provide whatever assistance and cooperation necessary in the fight against the coronavirus which has infected thousands of people in both countries.

The two top diplomats also discussed the bilateral cooperation between Tehran and Ankara in the fields of transportation and transit of goods.

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri also held talks with Turkey’s Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar on Monday and said the Iranian Armed Forces are prepared to share their experiences in the battle with the novel coronavirus with the military forces of Turkey.

Highlighting Iran’s successful plans to contain the spread of the coronavirus by taking advantage of the military forces, Major General Baqeri noted that the Iranian Armed Forces have launched extensive plans to offer medical services amid the outbreak of the coronavirus, carry out scientific research, and produce medical supplies.

 

The Sept. 28 presidential poll results have been repeatedly delayed amid accusations of misconduct and technical problems with counting ballots.

Afghanistan President in office, Ashraf Ghani appears to have beaten out his main challenger Abdullah Abdullah, who serves as the country’s chief executive in a fragile national unity government, AP reported.

Candidates now have a few days to file any complaints before final results are announced, probably within weeks.

Abdullah’s office released a statement saying the results were “not legitimate.”

“We will never accept results based on the fraudulent vote without considering the legal demands of the candidates,” the statement said.

Afghanistan election commission tried to launch a ballot recount in November but Abdullah halted the attempt, saying he would not let his observers participate. He eventually allowed a recount to go forward earlier this month.

Thousands of Abdullah’s supporters had rallied in November against what they said was the presence of fake ballots. The controversial recount seemed set to favor Ghani.

Hawa Alam Nuristani, the head of the Independent Election Commission, announced the preliminary results at a press conference in Kabul.

She did not specify when the final results will be given. The preliminary vote count was originally set to be announced Oct. 17, and the final tally on Nov. 7.

There also will not be any decision on whether the second round of voting is needed until the final results are out, and Ghani’s lead of over 50% is secure. Afghanistan election laws say a runoff must take place if no candidate obtains over 50% of the votes.

The preliminary results found Ghani won 923,868 votes — 50.64% — while Abdullah won 720,990 votes, according to Nuristani.

She did not give a specific percentage for Abdullah during the press conference in the capital, Kabul, but he appeared to have received 39.52%.

Preliminary results were originally due October 19 but were repeatedly delayed amid technical issues and allegations of fraud from various candidates, particularly Abdullah.

Observers and candidates have blasted the IEC over its handling of the count and its repeated disregard of the electoral calendar.

Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN secretary general’s special representative for Afghanistan, said the electoral commission “has an obligation to adjudicate any complaints it receives transparently and thoroughly so the election process may conclude in a credible manner.”

“All candidates have the chance to raise any concerns they may have,” he said in a statement.

The 2014 presidential election was mired in accusations of widespread fraud. That led the US to cobble together a unity government between Ghani and Abdullah, the two leading contenders. Their partnership has been fraught with bickering and rifts.