Luxembourg, 24/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 23 June, the EU foreign affairs ministers adopted an EU strategy for Afghanistan for the period from mid-2014 to the end of 2016. This strategy, which will coordinate the actions of the European institutions and member states, has four objectives - (1) to promote peace, security and stability in the region; (2) to strengthen democracy; (3) to encourage economic and human development; and (4) to support the rule of law and the respect of rights for men, women and children. Each objective is divided into sub-objectives, and each action to be taken is associated with defined member states or the whole EU.
As well as the strategy and the plan for implementing it, the ministers welcomed the way the presidential election was held - the second round of which was held in mid-June. In the face of the allegations of fraud, the EU foreign affairs ministers called for “the timely online publication of results from individual polling stations”. The candidates must “act responsibly and direct any complaints through the appropriate mechanisms”, while avoiding making “statements that prematurely claim victory”, the Council added.
The Council recalled that there are still considerable challenges to be overcome to help Afghanistan become a stable and functioning democracy. The new president will confront a considerable number of challenges, the EU ministers stated, highlighting security and the economy as the two most urgent challenges. (CG/JK)