18/09/2019 (Agence Europe) – The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, said in a telephone interview with the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday 18 September, that direct peace talks between the government and the Taliban “remain the only possible route to lasting peace, with a balanced agreement for all Afghans, supported by a ceasefire”. According to a statement by the European External Action Service, the High Representative regretted the suspension of peace talks between the United States and the Taliban, and the intra-Afghan dialogue, and was of the opinion that the elections were "more necessary than ever". It is therefore to be hoped that the Presidential election on 28 September will be conducted in a calm, fair and transparent manner. Despite claims of a double attack, the Taliban have stated that they are ready to resume negotiations with Washington. (CG)