Humanitarian aid for Afghanistan

As the Constitutional Loya Jirga gets underway, the Commission today approved an additional € 50 million for Afghanistan. This is on top of the €400 million already committed to reconstruction for 2003-04 and is a significant contribution to security and the fight against poppy opium production. The funding will go to the Law and Order Trust Fund (LOTFA) established to support the Afghan Police. It will build on the substantial contribution to security already made by the European Commission as well as by Member States through their provision of troops for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and for Provincial Reconstruction Teams.

The European Commissioner for External Relations, Chris Patten commented: "Security is the single biggest challenge facing Afghanistan, and it is inextricably bound up with the rising tide of drugs production. Effective law enforcement is essential if we are to stamp out poppy cultivation. This latest €50 million contribution to LOTFA shows that Afghanistan remains a top priority for the European Commission, and that we are mobilising funds swiftly and efficiently in that country".

The progress of Afghanistan continues to be held back by the vicious circle of insecurity, warlords, and the source of illicit income available through the cultivation of opium poppies. Establishing an efficient, well trained police force is critical, if this cycle is to be broken.

The Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan (LOTFA) was established to ensure timely payment of police salaries and to support German led police training. It is managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The €50 million contribution announced today comes on top of an existing allocation of €25.5 million. It puts into action a promise first given at the Afghanistan donors meeting in Dubai in September.

The Commission's support to the police will build on existing reconstruction activities aimed at promoting security, including tackling opium poppy production and working (with Italy) to create a strong and transparent judicial system. In 2003-4 €100 million allocated to rural development will help to provide alternative employment for those currently involved in poppy production. A further €12 million will promote alternative livelihoods in the Eastern region, and reinforce border controls along the Afghan/ Iran frontier.

EU Member States are already the largest contributors to the ISAF security force, and are increasingly leading Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) which promote security in key centres outside Kabul. The UK leads the PRT in Mazaar-i-Sharif and Germany has recently established one in Kunduz.

The Constitutional Loya Jirga - or Grand Assembly - brings together around 500 representatives from across Afghanistan to discuss and finalise the new Afghan Constitution in the run up to next year's elections.


For further information:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/afghanistan/intro/index.htm

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