06/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - Aware of the serious and damaging repercussions of the farming and trafficking of opium poppies to stability and security in Afghanistan and the neighbouring region, the Council has reaffirmed its strong commitment to backing the Afghan government in its war on drugs and corruption. In conclusions adopted on Monday, EU foreign ministers back the work of the Afghan authorities to promote the rule of law by developing the police service, courts, prisons and the legal system in general. It also backs the European Commission's work to increase cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours and its plan to launch a new project under the new EU Stability Fund in the near future. (ab)