Highlights

© Peter Galan - Fotolia.com

"There is no alternative to an Afghan-led process leading to a political solution to the conflict", concluded ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday 18 July. "Those who have participated in the insurgency now have a chance to participate in the political process."

The EU considers that the transition process which started on Sunday 17 July and which runs until the end of 2014, is a priority. It provides for the gradual transfer of responsibility of NATO so that at the end of the period responsibility for security will be fully in the hands of Afghan authorities.

The outcome of the political process must be in line with certain red lines laid down by the Afghan government and accepted by the international community: renouncing of violence, cutting ties with Al Qaeda, and respect for the Afghan constitution including its provisions on human rights.

Particular attention must be paid to the rights of women.

Laying the foundation for long-term international engagement

For the EU's long-term commitment to succeed, the conditions on the ground, especially as regards security, must allow the support to Afghanistan's development to be delivered safely throughout the country.

Ministers said that "transition in the field of security must go hand in hand with governance, rule of law, and development", and expressed concern about the lack of progress towards the commitments made by the Afghan authorities at the Kabul Conference in July 2010.

The EU and the international community will take stock of the transition process at the upcoming International Afghanistan Conference in Bonn on 5 December 2011. 

More information:
Council conclusions on Afghanistan (pdf)
Press conference webcast