AP
Iran parliament speaker Mehdi Karrubi, top, listens as Afghanistan's Hamid Karzai addresses lawmakers

Afghan interim leader Hamid Karzai addressed Iran's Parliament Monday, telling Tehran's largely reformist lawmakers that as neighbors, they must work together to maintain peace in the region.

During the second day of his three-day visit, Mr. Karzai praised Iran for supporting Afghanistan during its long fight against Soviet occupation. He says the two countries' bonds are eternal, because they share a common culture and language.

Mr. Karzai has received a warm reception in Tehran, which he is visiting for the first time since he took over leadership of Afghanistan's interim administration in December.

Iran and the United States dispute how Tehran is dealing with its neighbor to the east. Washington accuses Iran of supporting warlords who oppose the new government in Afghanistan, and of harboring fugitive Taleban and al-Qaida fighters. Iran strongly denies the charges, and says it fully supports Mr. Karzai and his effort to stop the feuding among various Afghan factions. After meeting with Mr. Karzai on Sunday, Iran's President Mohammad Khatami told reporters his country would never try to destabilize Afghanistan. He said a modern and secure neighbor state is to Iran's benefit. Iran has pledged more than $500 million for Afghan reconstruction.

Mr. Karzai has credited both Iran and the United States with driving out the Taleban. He has called on both nations to put aside their differences and cooperate in rebuilding Afghanistan.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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