Afghanistan Welcomes EU’s Statement on Afghan Peace Process
Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday welcomed the statement issued by the council of the EU regarding Afghan peace process.
Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday welcomed the statement issued by the council of the EU regarding Afghan peace process.
On Monday, representatives and Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Afghanistan.
“I hope that the intra-Afghan talks announced for next week can lead to peace, without prejudging either the electoral process or the achievements of recent years, in particular on the rights of women and minorities, and human rights in general terms,” said Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
“The Foreign Ministry appreciates political commitment and long term support of the EU,” Sibghatullah Ahmadi, the spokesperson of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs twitted.
The Council recommends that direct negotiations between Afghans, with the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban at their core begin as soon as possible.
It confirms the EU’s readiness to support the peace process and its implementation, with the aim of preserving and building on the political, economic and social achievements of the people of Afghanistan since 2001, which should be irreversible.
The EU stands ready to support the following aspects of the process:
• to help make the peace process inclusive;
• to assist with reforms, including security sector reform;
• to act as a guarantor of a peace process, if requested by the parties;
• to assist with reintegration of fighters and their families and
• to promote regional trade and connectivity.
The Council considers it important that a peace agreement be negotiated in an inclusive way, that it be approved by the government of Afghanistan and that it:
• entails the renunciation of violence;
• counters any threat of transnational terrorist organisations acting from Afghan territory;
• adheres to the rule of law and respect for the universal human rights of all Afghans, in particular as regards women, children, and persons belonging to minorities;
• ensures the continuity of the Afghan State, its institutions, and the constitutional order;
• allows for possibilities to ensure accountability, including through transitional justice, and to address the grievances of the victims of the conflict in Afghanistan.
The EU reiterates the importance of the meaningful participation of women in all peace initiatives, including formal and informal peace negotiations.
The EU also reiterates the importance of holding inclusive, credible and transparent presidential, provincial council and district council elections in 2019, which are an essential element for a strengthened democracy and stability in Afghanistan.
