Brussels, 30/01/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the day before the international conference on Afghanistan which was held on Tuesday and Wednesday in London, the General Affairs/External Relations Council restated the EU's resolve to step up its long-term commitment in favour of rebuilding the country. “EU assistance will mainly aim at fostering the establishment of a democratic, accountable and sustainable Afghan State capable of exercising its sovereignty and protecting the rights of its citizens”, conclusions adopted yesterday say. While the fight against narcotics will remain a general EU priority when it comes to Afghanistan (the Twenty-Five will above all support the establishment of strong and effective institutions to counter drugs, as well as police forces and penal bodies), the Union also wants to intensify its actions in the political and humanitarian field, promotion of human rights (especially women and children's rights) and reform of the administration. It will provide increased financial support to reform of the judiciary, both at central and provincial level, as well as reform of the security forces. The EU will also continue to support Afghanistan's sustainable social and economic development and the efforts that it deploys to attain the Millennium Development Goals, the Council stresses in its conclusions. The EU will, where appropriate, provide assistance directly through the budget and will continue to encourage the Afghan Government to reach greater financial self-sustainability.
On the fringe of the London conference, an informal meeting is to be held on Tuesday between the EU's ministerial troika and Mr Abdullah, Afghan Foreign Minister.