Afghanistan welcomes EU’s support for peace process

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday welcomed the EU's readiness to support the Afghan peace process and its implementation.

The presidency in Kabul issued a statement a day after the Council of the European Union recommended to soon begin direct negotiations between Afghans, with the Kabul government and the Taliban.

‘’The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan welcomes the EU declaration on support for the Afghan peace process, for guarantee of the [proposed] peace agreement between the parties concerned and cooperation for the implementation of post-peace plans”, the statement said.

The “principle stance” by the EU not only endorses the significance of the Afghan Constitution, but also underlines the achievements of the Afghan people and the government, it added.

President Ghani also stressed that the EU has successful experiences as guarantor for peace agreements in different countries.

After discussions over Afghanistan, the EU foreign ministers on Monday announced they stand ready to help make the peace process inclusive, to assist with reforms, to act as a guarantor of a peace process if requested by the parties, to assist with reintegration of fighters and their families and to promote regional trade and connectivity.

Earlier this year, Roland Kobia, EU special envoy for Afghanistan, said the Afghan government and the U.S. have shown positive response towards the idea of Brussels serving as guarantor for the proposed peace deal.

Kobia said if the third party, the Taliban, also considered the EU trustworthy, the efforts for proper and inclusive implementation of the peace process would be furnished.

The insurgents have so far not shared their views in this regard.