Afghan interim leader arrives in Iran for talks

Interim Afghan leader Hamid Karzai has arrived in Tehran for talks with the Iranian president.

State-run radio says they will discuss improving ties and returning Afghan refugees.

The US has repeated accusations that Iran is destabilising its neighbour.

The US special envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, says Iran is protecting fleeing al-Qaida and Taliban members and sending commandos into Afghanistan to undermine the administration.

Iran has repeatedly rejected these allegations.

Iran's state-run television quoted Afghan Interior Minister Yunis Qanoni as rejecting US charges against Iran.

Afghan Foreign Minister Abdullah told reporters that Afghanistan welcomed Iran's contribution to the reconstruction of his country.

"Iran can play an important role in reconstruction of Afghanistan. We will be happy to use Iran's experience in rebuilding our country," Mr Abdullah said.

Iran has pledged more than $500m over five years for the reconstruction of Afghanistan.