The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, welcomed the conclusion of the Afghanistan-U.S. Joint Statement for Peace and the U.S.-Taliban settlement in Doha (Qatar) on 29 February.
The United States and the Taliban have agreed to withdraw U.S. and allied troops from Afghanistan within 14 months if the insurgents respect the terms of the agreement, including the opening of discussions with the Afghan government for a lasting peace. The latter, which is not a signatory to the agreement, has already refused the clause that calls on the Taliban to release up to 1,000 prisoners and the government 5,000.
These agreements are “important first steps towards a comprehensive peace process, with intra-Afghan negotiations at its core”, Mr Borrell said in a statement on behalf of the EU. “The current opportunity to move towards peace should not be missed”, he warned, hoping that Afghan-led negotiations would begin “without delay in an inclusive manner and aiming at a lasting peace that could create an environment of security and stability for all Afghans”. Negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban are scheduled to begin on 10 March, according to the agreement.
“The continuation of a reduction in violence and its expansion into a ceasefire constitute a necessary condition for trust between the negotiating parties”, he added. While the Afghan government announced a continuation of the partial truce on 1 March, which has been in effect for a week, the Taliban warned on 2 March that it was ending the truce and resuming hostilities.
Moreover, the discussion process must be open to all political factions, a process “where notably Afghan women and minorities as well as the civil society, are represented in a meaningful manner” and in which respect for the constitutional order and the Rule of law is paramount, Mr Borrell said. In his view, the political solution must respect the rights of men and women and address common grievances.
Stressing that unity is essential, Mr Borrell called on all actors to join forces for the coming period. “The EU calls on all stakeholders to put the interests of the nation above all other considerations, as the collective responsibility of all Afghan political forces”, he explained, adding that it is essential that all Afghans feel represented in the next government and in peace negotiations.
The High Representative also announced the EU's readiness to facilitate and support the peace process “with the aim of preserving and building upon the political, economic and social achievements of the people of Afghanistan since 2001, which should be irreversible”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)