Brussels, 19/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Union is willing to help bolster Afghanistan's institutions but has warned Kabul that it can only do so after 2014 if it is safe for EU personnel and if governance is improved. International forces are due to hand responsibility over to the Afghans for security across the insurgency-hit country in 2014. Security transition began this month, and is moving forward in parallel with political talks aimed at bringing in members of the Taliban militia who renounce violence, break links with Al-Qaeda and respect the Afghan constitution. “For the EU's long-term engagement to succeed, the conditions on the ground, especially as regards security, must allow its support to Afghanistan's development to be delivered safely throughout the country”, EU foreign ministers said in a statement after talks in Brussels on Monday 18 July. “Moreover, Afghanistan should take the necessary measures to reinforce the democratic institutions of governance”, they said, expressing concern about the lack of progress in improving governance, strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption. The departure of international forces in 2014 could leave a security vacuum in Afghanistan, and donors have been unwilling to commit to the period after that date over concerns about whether their investment would be safe.
The ministers also discussed security developments in Pakistan, which shares a mountainous and dangerous border with Afghanistan, across which Taliban, Al-Qaeda and other fighters have been travelling to launch attacks. They welcomed discussions between the two governments and urged Pakistan to step up efforts to combat terrorism and extremism. The EU wants to bolster relations with Pakistan, and the ministers said this partnership should include economic and trade cooperation, humanitarian and development assistance, help to improve the rule of law and the respect of human rights, and the protection of minorities, religious choice and free speech. (LoC)