Brussels, 02/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - In a declaration published by the Swedish Presidency on 2 December, the EU welcomed the troop reinforcements in Afghanistan, announced by President Barack Obama on Tuesday. The declaration states that “the European Union stands ready to work closely with the United States and other parts of the international community in addressing the challenges in Afghanistan”. The EU also underlines the need to “maintain a comprehensive approach” in a combination of political, military and civilian/development instruments, the main purpose of which should be to enable the government of Afghanistan to gradually assume full responsibility for the stabilisation and development of the country. The EU27 also affirms its “determination to enhance and improve its engagement if Afghanistan complies with the action plan adopted by the European Council on 27 October 2009”. (H.B./transl.fl)