The Council of the European Union in a new statement reaffirmed its political commitment to Afghanistan for peace, security and self-reliance but stated that its continued political and financial support to Afghanistan is contingent on an Islamic emirate not being formed, the protections of gains of the last 19 years, the upholding of rights, the protection of the Republic, and a lasting ceasefire and immediate start of intra-Afghan negotiations, among other things.
“The EU expects that the political process leads to an Afghanistan that, as a signatory of the UN Charter, upholds and promotes the values, rights and principles enshrined therein, and does not constitute a threat to international peace and security. Without genuine commitment on effectively enhancing governance, strengthening institutions and combating corruption, EU support will be reconsidered,” the statement said.
The statement reiterated the EU’s support for a diplomatic solution to the Afghan conflict, stating that “a negotiated political settlement leading to peace must build on the democratic and human rights achievements of the past 19 years.”
The statement also called on all the Afghan actors, including traditional, ethnic and religious leaders as well as armed groups, most notably the Taliban, to seize the current historic opportunity for lasting peace and reconciliation.
In the statement, the EU Council asked the Afghan government to continue the course of inclusive and accountable governance, and ensure a meaningful participation of a diverse and inclusive negotiating team, composed of Afghan political and civil society leaders, including women, at the intra-Afghan Negotiations.
The statement has specifically urged the Taliban to demonstrate a genuine and overall spirit of peace to build trust and confidence allowing the prompt start of intra-Afghan negotiations.
“The EU unequivocally supports the Global Appeal made by the Secretary General of the United Nations on 23 March 2020 for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to focus efforts on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and to save lives on all sides,” reads the statement.
In the statement, the council clarified that the bloc, in line with the UN resolution, will never support the return of the Islamic Emirate in the country.
“The EU supports without reservation UNSC Resolution 2513 of 10 March 2020, which neither recognizes nor supports the restoration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,” said the statement.
On the Afghans’ struggle against COVID-19, the documents said: “All political actors should mitigate the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan, and cooperate to tackle it.”
The Statement also says the following:
• The EU expects that the political process leads to an Afghanistan that, as a signatory of the UN Charter, upholds and promotes the values, rights and principles enshrined therein, and does not constitute a threat to international peace and security.
• A sense of urgency and tangible progress are needed to enable the international community to remain engaged, and to provide substantial support for the implementation of a peace agreement and the reconstruction of the country.
• The EU stands ready to provide political and financial support for the people of Afghanistan.
• The EU emphasizes that its political and financial support and that of its Member States, will be contingent on, determined by and if necessary reviewed in the context of, the principles above, also pooled with partners in the proposed “Key elements for a sustained international support to peace and development in Afghanistan”
• The Council invites the EU High Representative, with the support of the EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan, to convey the EU’s position to all actors in Afghanistan, and in our cooperation with regional and international partners, in view of the regional and global dimensions of achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the country.
