Brussels, 31/01/2000 (Agence Europe) - On 24 January, the EU Council adopted a new Common Position on Afghanistan, which replaces that of 25 January 1999, which is therefore repealed (the new text is published in the Official Journal of 26 January, L21). In its Common Position, the Council gives the Union's aims which, it states, plans, once there is lasting peace, to contribute to the reconstruction of the country after years of civil war. In particular, the EU states that:
- As far as peace initiatives are concerned, it will maintain contacts with the parties and "Afghan personalities" and will encourage the efforts made by influential Afghan organisations and persons, such as those accomplished in the context of the Frankfurt Process and the preparation by the former King Zahier Chah, in Rome, of a Loya Juga (Great Assembly) for supporting dialogue between the parties.
- In order to promote human rights, it will make it a commitment for the Afghan parties to recognise and protect equality between men and women.
- In order to help the civilian population, it will continue to provide humanitarian aid "in so far as the conditions allow this" and support international de-mining efforts.
- To fight against drugs, it will support a lasting alternative development adapted to the specific conditions of the country. The EU specifies that the adoption of repressive measures is a necessary complement to these programmes.
- As far as the fight against terrorism is concerned, it will mainly urge Afghan authorities to close camps for training foreign terrorists which exist in that country and will commit the Taliban to full compliance with Resolution 1267 of the Security Council of October 1999
