Tehran, Aug 8, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday commemorated martyrdom of late Iranian diplomats and a journalist killed in Afghanistan in 1998.

In a message released on Tuesday, Zarif extended his condolences to the Iranian media for martyrdom of Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) correspondent Mahmoud Saremi in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan.

'The catastrophic event grieved all the people of Iran, the Muslims and all the right-seeking people of the world,' the foreign minister added.

He condemned violation of international rules, humanitarian principles and the diplomatic privileges and immunities concerning the mishap.

'Resorting to violence and terror against Iranian diplomats was one of the most painful and darkest pages of history,' Zarif said.

In the 1998, the Iranian consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif was attacked during the Taliban era and as a result, 10 Iranian diplomats and IRNA correspondent were martyred. The day of martyrdom of IRNA correspondent has been named as the 'Reporter Day' in Iranian calender.

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