Resumption of Peace Process Should be Kabul-Centered: EU envoy

EU special representative on Afghanistan Roland Kobia urged immediate resumption of peace talks and a ceasefire in agreement.

EU special representative on Afghanistan Roland Kobia urged immediate resumption of peace talks and a ceasefire in agreement.
“The more the Afghan government is involved in the negotiations, the better, the more transparent and inclusive the negotiations, the better,” Roland Kobia said at a press conference in Kabul on Sunday.
“Let’s ensure that the process is really in the hands of the Afghan government,” he said.

Kobia said that EU was sad to see the US-Taliban were stalled. He said that while it was a hurdle to the path toward starting intra-Afghan negotiations, it could also opportunities.

The envoy proposed to try to add ceasefire in the agreement. “It is the right moment and the right opportunity to maybe go one step beyond simple reduction of violence.”

The envoy also reaffirmed EU’s commitment to support Afghanistan after peace agreement.
“Do not think that if there is a peace agreement, international partners will pack and leave,” Kobia stressed. “We remain committed to support the reconstruction of Afghanistan, the future development, the trade, the connectivity with regional countries.”

“If it would be an Islamic emirate where fundamental rights would not be protected, it would make it very difficult for Europeans to help the reconstruction, to provide development aid, to give access to the first world market which is the EU,” he added.