Annex: Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions of
20 October 2014 on Afghanistan
1. "The Council welcomes the formation of
a Government of National Unity. The presidential and provincial
elections demonstrated the clear will of the Afghan people for
democracy. Future elections should be credible and transparent.
It is critical that the Afghan authorities take the necessary
steps to remedy the shortcomings, starting with next year's parliamentary
elections. The European Union stands ready to assist in this endeavour.
2. "The EU reiterates its long-term commitment
to Afghanistan and reaffirms the comprehensive strategy agreed
by the Council in June. It looks forward to working in close cooperation
with the new government and international partners to safeguard
the advances Afghanistan has made over the last thirteen years
and to support and incentivise urgently needed reforms. The EU
recognises the important future role to be played by UNAMA in
Afghanistan.
3. "The Council welcomes the finalisation
of the Multiannual Indicative Programme for Afghanistan, which
sets out the EU's commitment to provide up to €1.4 billion
in assistance for the period up to 2020. This funding complements
the development assistance provided bilaterally by Member States.
The EU restates its willingness to finalise the Cooperation Agreement
for Partnership and Development. This can provide the basis for
a wide-ranging long-term partnership between the EU and Afghanistan.
The EU also restates its commitment to the extension of the EU
police mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL) until the end of 2016.
4. "The Council welcomes the signing of
the Bilateral Security Agreement with the United States of America
and the Status of Forces Agreement with NATO. These agreements
provide the basis for the continued international military presence
to support the Afghan National Security Forces in providing security
in Afghanistan. Lasting peace and security will require strong
leadership from the Government of Afghanistan as well as consistent
and constructive engagement from neighbouring countries. The EU
welcomes the 'Heart of Asia' ministerial on 31 October in Beijing.
The ministerial has the potential to play an important role in
putting in place the required regional economic and security architecture.
The Council calls for all Central Asian countries to set aside
their differences and use the opportunity to promote long term
stability and prosperity both in Afghanistan and in the wider
region.
5. "The Council calls for a clear and unequivocal
commitment to respect human rights, in particular to implement
fully existing statutes for the rights of women and girls. The
EU reiterates its strong and principled position against the death
penalty in any and all cases and in all circumstances.
6. "It is now imperative that the Government
of Afghanistan enact the reforms necessary to restore economic
confidence, promote job creation and increase revenue generation.
Action is also needed to reform the judicial system, tackle the
twin threats from corruption and narcotics and improve the accountability
of the state to ordinary Afghans, including the establishment
of decentralised decision-making bodies at provincial and district
level. The London conference on 24-25 November will provide the
opportunity both for the government to set out its reform commitment
in these areas and for the international community to restate
its long-term commitment to support Afghanistan."
| 
