Brussels, 20/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - The EU is ready to increase its aid to Afghanistan but wants the Afghan government gradually to take responsibility for the country's security, democratisation and socio-economic development. “The EU is doing what we promised. We are taking steps to align our assistance with Afghanistan's priorities. We have coordinated our operations under a single EU Representative. We are ready to raise the level of our support in line with our Action Plan (Ed: adopted by the Council in October 2009) and some of our member states have already done so,” EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton said at the international conference on Afghanistan in Kabul on 20 July. The EU is backing reconciliation efforts and also supports - subject to certain conditions - reintegrating moderate Taliban into society, she said. “The EU will support Afghan efforts to reintegrate those who are ready to renounce militant extremism and violence and to respect the Afghan constitution,” she stated. Political and security stabilisation of the country will create the framework for sustainable socio-economic development of the country, but “this process should not be driven by a prescribed calendar, but by the reality on the ground,” Ashton argued. The Afghan authorities must do all they can to provide their people with efficient, accountable and impartial public services. “Afghan citizens across the country need to feel that they are increasingly safer, better served and better governed.” Justice reform and better management of public finances are also vital. “The EU is investing considerable amounts in all three areas,” the High Representative pointed out. (H.B./transl.rt)