Luxembourg, 21/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 20 October, the EU foreign affairs ministers welcomed the formation of the national unity government established in Afghanistan on 21 September (see EUROPE 11160) and they called for progress in the electoral process. The definitive results of the presidential elections have never been officially communicated. “Future elections should be credible and transparent”, the ministers state in their conclusions. “It is critical that the Afghan authorities take the necessary steps to remedy the shortcomings, starting with next year's parliamentary elections”, they add, saying that the European Union stands ready to assist in this endeavour. It is now “imperative” that the new government of Afghanistan enact “the reforms necessary to restore economic confidence, promote job creation and increase revenue generation”. It must also prepare actions “to reform the judicial system, tackle the twin threats from corruption and narcotics and improve the accountability of the state to ordinary Afghans, including the establishment of decentralised decision-making bodies at provincial and district level”, the EU ministers add.
The Council also hails the signing of the bilateral security agreement between Afghanistan and the US. “Lasting peace and security will require strong leadership from the government of Afghanistan as well as consistent and constructive engagement from neighbouring countries”, the EU ministers state. They also welcome the European Commission's adoption of a new EU programme for €1.4 billion to finance development in Afghanistan. (CG and JK)