Karzai in 'silence the guns' call

Karzai: 'We can silence the guns'

TEHRAN, Iran -- Afghanistan's interim leader has called for Iranian cooperation in creating peace and stability in the region.

Hamid Karzai is on the second day of his trip to Iran, which was a long-time supporter of Afghan forces fighting against the Taliban.

The trip comes as the U.S. which has included Iran in its so-called "axis of evil" accuses Tehran of working to destabilise Afghanistan by harbouring al Qaeda and Taliban fighters, charges that Iran has denied.

Karzai told the Iranian parliament: "Today we come to our brother's home. We and you are in need of peace and stability in the region.

"At the start of this new century we can silence the guns to create a focus of beauty, friendship and cooperation."

VIDEO Afghan interim leader Hamid Karzai is urging the U.S. and Iran to put aside their differences and help rebuild Afghanistan. CNN's Kasra Naji reports Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

His address was greeted with warm applause by Iranian politicians where reformist President Mohammed Khatami has criticised U.S. President George W. Bush's "axis of evil" speech.

Iran, which shares a 600-mile border with Afghanistan, has pledged $560 million in aid toward Afghan reconstruction. More than 2 million Afghan refugees live in Iran.

Khatami said on Sunday that Iran and Afghanistan's relations with other countries will have no bearing on their bilateral relations.

He added Iran believes that helping Afghanistan's government is its duty but many Iranian hard-liners remain suspicious of Afghanistan's post-Taliban government.