European Union supports the formation of a single negotiation team by Afghan leaders
The EU delegation in Afghanistan welcomes the agreement of the Afghan leaders to form a delegation for negotiations with the Taliban movement. A political dispute gripping the government in Kabul after last year’s elections between Ashraf Ghani, declared as the President, and his rival Abdullah Abdullah, a candidate for president who has disputed Ghani’s official victory, has stalled the inter-Afghan negotiations, initially scheduled for March 10, the Afghanistan.ru informs. The task of forming a delegation for dialogue with the Taliban was not completed on time, as well as the release of 5,000 prisoners under the agreement reached between the US and the Taliban group was postponed. For the present, there is no new date for the inter-Afghan negotiations, while joint efforts of the teams of Ghani and Abdullah contributed to agree on the formation of a single delegation to participate in the talks. “This step is very important to launch the inter-Afghan negotiations and to resolve the internal political crisis,” EU representatives commented on the situation. “We are ready to offer full support to the newly formed group. We encourage all political leaders to promote the productive participation of women, youth and victims of the conflict”. On the other hand, the EU delegation in Afghanistan called on the Taliban to demonstrate commitment to the peace talks, in particular, to reducing violence and to starting a ceasefire dialogue, while remaining committed to a constructive resolution of sensitive issues and a willingness to compromise. Ingrid Hayden, Deputy Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), also welcomed the approval of each of the Afghan leaders of a single negotiation group. “UNAMA calls on all Afghan parties to work together to resolve the difficulties peacefully for the benefit of the Afghan people,” she said. “Now is not the time for separations. The time has come for state wisdom, flexibility and inclusiveness. The interests of Afghanistan, including the rights of all women, minorities and youth, should be top-placed”.
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