EU renews call for immediate ceasefire

KABUL (Pajhwok): The European Union has reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire in Afghanistan and respect for international humanitarian law by all parties.

During meetings with President Ashraf Ghani and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Commissioner Lenarčič reaffirmed EU’s strong support for the peace process

According to an EU statement, he voiced concern at the continuing high level of violence, underlined the need for political unity, support for peace and the work of NGOs in Afghanistan.

During his visit to Kabul, EU’s humanitarian chief said the commissioners responsible for crisis management and humanitarian aid reiterated the EU’s call for an immediate ceasefire.

“The human cost of the conflict in Afghanistan is profound, with the civilian population suffering the most. My message here today is very clear; the protection of civilians is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law and must be respected by all parties…”

The commissioner met humanitarian agencies, female civil society representatives and Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General.

“My discussions here today confirm the dire humanitarian situation that a large part of the civilian population faces every single day. The EU has been among the most generous humanitarian donors to Afghanistan.”

In the last two years, the EU allocated €100 million in humanitarian aid; in 2021 its initial support amounts to 32 million euros.

sa/mud

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