Iran said to reassure Afghan opposition of support

ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Iran promised on Thursday to continue diplomatic support for the Afghan opposition even though it has abandoned its trade blockade on the ruling Taleban, an opposition spokesman said.

``They clarified their stance, reassuring us that Iran still recognises us as the legitimate government,'' spokesman Dr Abdullah told Reuters by satellite telephone from opposition-held northeast Afghanistan. ``Its position has not changed since the reopening of its border with the Taleban.''

He said the assurance was contained in a message from Iranian President Mohammad Khatami delivered by a delegation to anti-Taleban leaders.

Taleban said last month it had opened for trade its western border with Iran, which was closed for more than a year because of tensions between the two sides.

Iran does not recognise the Taleban government, which controls about 90 percent of Afghanistan and is recognised only by three countries -- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

Abdullah said the Iranian foreign ministry team met Burhanuddin Rabbani, whose government was driven from power three years ago but still holds the Afghan seat at the United Nations.

Taleban, which draws its support from ethnic Pashtuns belonging to the majority Sunni sect of Islam, accuses Shi'ite Moslem Iran of supporting and funding the opposition alliance that holds some 10 percent Afghanistan. Iran denies the charge.