Documents considered by the Committee on 5 November 2014 - European Scrutiny Committee Contents



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."


 
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Prepared 18 November 2014