The EU delegation, in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission based in Kabul and the Canadian Ambassador, called, on Sunday 6 September, on all Afghan political forces to resolutely seize the historic opportunity for lasting peace and to open direct intra-Afghan negotiations without further delay (see EUROPE 12496/3).
These negotiations could start this week in Qatar.
“We will remain vigilant that Intra-Afghan Negotiations are driven by a spirit of reconciliation, openness and inclusiveness, of fair dialogue between parties and representatives of society, and of respect for the Afghan constitution and institutions, as well as the continuity of the country’s international obligations”, the delegation said in a statement. It recalled that the political settlement should preserve and build on the democratic and human rights achievements of the past 19 years.
Believing that the “still unacceptable” level of violence is “contrary to the expectations of a meaningful peace process and the principles of the UN Charter”, the EU delegation urged the Taliban to respect an immediate, unconditional, comprehensive and national ceasefire.
“Today’s decisions and actions by political forces in Afghanistan, including the Taliban, will determine the decisions and actions of the international community tomorrow”, the delegation warned. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)