EU Presidency Statement - Afghanistan

Mr. Secretary-General, Mr. President

Mr. President Karzai, thank you so much for sharing your views on the situation in Afghanistan with us. We are impressed by your personal dedication to achieve peace and prosperity in Afghanistan - despite the obvious risks for your personal security. I would also like to thank Mr. Secretary-General for inviting Denmark in our capacity as president of the European Union to this meeting. The EU highly values the UN's engagement in the international effort to assist Afghanistan.

The EU is prepared to work with the Afghan parties on the full implementation of all elements in the Bonn agreement. Accepting human rights, including women's rights, and rule-of-law as the guiding principles is a fundamental demand on any government. The Afghan parties have declared their intentions in this regard in the Bonn agreement. We encourage all Afghans to continue to work towards a peaceful and representative political future. We urge the Afghan people not to let the vicious terrorist attacks in Afghanistan undermine the peace process.

In general, the lack of security in Afghanistan continues to be a primary concern. Many EU Member States have contributed troops to ISAF, which has significantly improved the security situation in and around Kabul. In order to achieve lasting peace and security, the Afghan national army and police must be strengthened. EU Member States are actively participating in efforts to reform the Afghan security sector.

EU welcomes that y o u Mr. President and regional leaders in Afghanistan have stated preparedness to consider an investigation into the alleged mass graves in Northern Afghanistan. We see a key role for the UN if Afghanistan requests international assistance with regard to an investigation. The EU will follow this matter closely.

Mr. Secretary-General, Mr. President,

The EU is committed to delivering a substantial contribution to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. The EU notes the serious lack of funds for the budget this year. The EU urges donors to consider ways of filling this gap, including delivery in a timely manner of pledges made in Tokyo. Large sums have been paid out, but the needs may be larger this year than expected. The EU encourages the allocation of development aid in a way that strengthens the role of the central government at the expense of the warlords, and a the same time ensuring that a visible peace dividend soon reaches the population as a whole.

The European Union welcomes that a large number of Afghan refugees have returned. But we are concerned that the returnees are not receiving the international support they need to ensure their sustainable re-integration. It is crucial for the international community to step up efforts, including support to local communities. The Afghan parties have to take their share of the responsibility to ensure that humanitarian support can be safely and effectively delivered.

In the last nine months Afghanistan has mainly seen progress. Despite the complexity of the challenges, there is now, at last, a real chance for the Afghan people to bring back peace to Afghanistan.

Thank you Mr. President and Mr. Secretary-General.

| Arriba |

• The European Union and Afghanistan (30/3/2004)
• EU humanitarian aid for Afghanistan  (30/10/2002)
• Commissioner Patten's Speech on Afghanistan at EP (4/9/2002)
• EU Presidency Statement - The situation in Afghanistan (19/7/2002)
• Commissioner Patten's speech on Reconstructing Afghanistan (20/2/2002)
• Commissioner Patten welcomes outcome of Bonn talks on Afghanistan (6/12/2001)