18/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - In conclusions adopted on Monday, the Council of the EU reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the Afghan government to promote and extend the rule of law by developing its police, courts, prisons and the legal system as a whole, including efforts made to fight against drugs, both at regional and provincial level. The ministers welcomed the launch of the EU police mission (EUPOL Afghanistan), which took up its duties on 15 June, and the new Commission programme for Justice, which is based around institutional reforms and legal assistance. They hope that the conference on the rule of law in Afghanistan, which is scheduled to be held in Rome on 2-3 July 2007, will help to increase the commitment of the international community on this subject. (ab)