By Fidel Rahmati in The Khaama Press, May 19, 2023
The Taliban authorities responded to the Iranian president’s remarks about violating the water rights of the Iranian people over their shared Helmand River in a statement.
The statement said the “water agreement between the two neighbouring countries was signed half a century ago in 1973 and is still valid, and the Islamic Emirate is committed to implementing its obligations.”
The statement also stressed, “Due to severe drought in Afghanistan and the region in recent years, the water level has dropped, including the Helmand River. As a result, several provinces suffer from drought and lack of water.”
Based on the circumstances, we consider Iran’s frequent requests for water and inappropriate statements in the media as harmful.
The statement also advised the Iranian side first to complete their information about the current water level and circumstances in the region, particularly in the Helmand River and then ask for the water.
“Iranian officials should first complete their information about Helmand water and then express their demand with appropriate words. Without adequate knowledge, such statements can damage the political relations between the two countries, and it is not in the interest of any party and should not be repeated, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Taliban reiterated their commitment to the Helmand water accord on the condition that the water reserves reach enough to flow to Iran. At the same time, there needs to be more water in the Kamal Khan Dam to reach Iran.
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-responds-to-iranian-presidens-remarks-on-violating-water-rights-from-helmand-river/
