The European Parliament has called on the EU to develop a new strategy for Afghanistan in view of the change of power in this country. It was stated in a joint statement by the chairman of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee David McAllister, the chairman of the Development Committee Thomas Tobe and the head of the delegation for relations with Afghanistan Petras Austravicius.
MEPs have expressed deep concern over recent developments in Afghanistan, where the radical Islamist Taliban has seized power.
“The EU needs to develop a new strategy for Afghanistan and the region, taking into account the new circumstances, given that Russia and China will quickly try to fill the political vacuum. In particular, Pakistan, Iran and India should be called upon to play a constructive role in Afghanistan, ”the politicians said.
They also call for the urgent departure of foreigners and citizens wishing to leave the country safely from Afghanistan.
“Departure through Kabul airport must be guaranteed by all means. We have a moral responsibility to those who have worked in the EU, NATO partners and other international institutions and civil society organizations. We call on those in power in Afghanistan to refrain from violence and to respect fundamental human rights, international humanitarian law, and the achievements of the last 20 years in the areas of women’s and girls’ rights, education, health and socio-economic development,” as per the statement issued by the MEP’s.
On the morning of August 15, the Taliban reportedly entered Kabul without a fight. The Taliban has said it controls all of Afghanistan. President Ashraf Ghani was forced to leave the country.
Against this background, a spokesman for the Taliban’s political office, Mohammed Naim, announced the end of the war in Afghanistan.