"Both Iran and America are our friends. Both they have helped us fight terrorism and free our people from the yoke of foreigners. And as a friend to both of them, Afghanistan will do its best to help bring them together", Mr. Karzai told his Iranian guest, who was visiting Afghanistan for the first time.

Mr. Khatami arrived early in the Morning to Kabol, where he was greeted by Mr. Karzai, and drove directly to the "Golkhaneh" (Flower Garden) Palace, accompanied by Esma’il Khan, the powerful Emir of Heart, who is known for his close ties to neighbouring Iran.

Afghan and Iranian analysts said the visit, which is in response to the one paid to Tehran last February, is a "landmark" in relations between the two Muslim neighbours.

"The security of Iran is tightly tied to that of Afghanistan", observed Mr. Mohammad Soltanifar, the Editor of the pro-Government, English-language daily "Iran News".

Pointing to close historical, linguistic, cultural and other links between Iranian and Afghan people, Mr. Soltanifar said if Iran could count on Karzai government and invest on it, many problems Iran and Afghanistan are struggling with would be solved.

Though nothing was reported officially from the talks, but informed sources told Iran Press Service that they centred on bilateral relations, reconstruction of the war-shattered nation, fighting drug smuggling, consolidating cultural and scholar co-operation but also reviewing regional situation.

Brushing aside American accusations, Mr. Khatami said Iran was not interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, nor do the brave Afghan people would tolerate foreigners to involve in their country.

"The presence of other countries in this country can only be acceptable if they help the country and the government to rebuild and bring about peace in Afghanistan", Mr. Khatami told reporters.

He said the present American officials have a misunderstanding and an incorrect evaluation of their power and their interests. "In fact, they adopted policies that, in contradiction to those of the previous Administration, were antagonising world’s interests and used the sad, sour and hateful event of 11 September to create a military atmosphere in the world, where all people should be united".

The powerless and embattled Iranian President repeated that war against international terrorism should be carried out by the United Nations, not the United States. "Fighting terrorism should not mean imposing the will of one country unilaterally on other countries of the world", he said, in a direct hint to Washington.

"Even if we had just a little suspicion, we delivered them to their countries, and not just Saudi Arabia", Khatami told reporters.

Khatami's visit was the first by an Iranian head of state to Afghanistan in 40 years. He came offering a $500 million aid package for this war-devastated country and seeking stepped-up Afghan efforts to block opium production and trafficking by Afghanistan.

During his press conference, Khatami said Iran has offered 2,000 university scholarships to Afghan students. He said efforts were under way to boost trade between the two countries and that Iran was rebuilding the highway between Herat and the Iranian border.

"The international community should accept responsibility to help the government to start rebuilding and bring stability to this country", Khatami said.

"Those with power have more responsibility to bring peace in the world," Khatami added. ENDS KHATAMI KABOL VISIT 13802