The United States and Europe in a joint statement have called on Afghan unity government leaders and other leaders to focus on preparing Afghanistan for formal intra-Afghan negotiations with the Taliban, including the naming of an “inclusive, national negotiating team.”
The statement was issued after special envoys and representatives of the EU, France, Germany Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United Nations and the US met in EU headquarters, Brussels on Tuesday.
The statement urged all sides to observe a ceasefire for the duration of intra-Afghan negotiations to enable participants to reach agreement on a political roadmap for Afghanistan’s future.
It said that any peace agreement must protect the rights of all Afghans, including women, youth and minorities, and must respond to the strong desire of Afghans to sustain and build on the economic, social, political and development gains achieved since 2001, including adherence to the rule of law, respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, and improving inclusive and accountable governance.
The statement reaffirmed that the Taliban and other Afghan groups must take concrete steps to ensure that Afghanistan should not be used by al-Qaida, Daesh or other international terror groups to threaten or attack any other country.
It also said that continued international support to Afghan security forces and other government institutions will be necessary to ensure Afghanistan can defend itself against internal and external threats.
According to the statement, continued international development assistance will be needed for Afghanistan’s reconstruction following a peace agreement.
The statement urged all parties to take immediate and necessary steps to reduce violence and civilian casualties in order to create an environment conducive for peace.
