23/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - Ashton on start of transition. The announcement made by Afghan President Hamid Karzai on 22 March of the start of the “transition process” in Afghanistan is an indication that the country is entering a “crucial period” during which “strong Afghan leadership” will be of the essence, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton said in a statement on 23 March. “With leadership comes accountability, both to the Afghan people as well as to international undertakings”, she went on. The EU stands ready to further support the transition process, in particular in the areas of governance, development and police reform, she added. The EU is also ready to further develop its political and economic ties with Afghanistan. (H.B./transl.rt)