Brussels, 24/01/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the General Affairs Council adopted a new common position on Afghanistan, which replaces the one adopted on 24 January 2000 (see EUROPE of 1 February 2000). The Council sets out the EU's political objectives in Afghanistan, placing emphasis on the need to allow NGOs and international organisations, without discrimination, to provide humanitarian aid to the populations. The Council repeats its willingness to contribute to the country's reconstruction once a durable peace agreement has been concluded, goals that it had already expressed in its previous common position. The common position states that the EU would like:
"to bring about a lasting peace, put an end to foreign intervention and encourage intra-Afghan dialogue through support for the central role of the United Nations;
to promote the stability and development of the whole of the region through peace;
to promote the respect for international humanitarian law and human rights, including the rights of women and children;
to provide effective humanitarian aid, including the creation of an environment free of discrimination, in which international organisations and NGOs can operate effectively and to ensure that the international coordination of aid allows for its provision in accordance with international humanitarian principles and an impartial needs assessment, taking into account the Community-based approach;
to strengthen the fight against illegal drugs and terrorism;
to assist in peace-building activities and, once a durable peace settlement is in place, the reconstruction of the country after years of civil war;
to support the programmes of international organisations and NGOs for Afghan refugee populations in neighbouring countries".