KABUL, 30 November 2021, (TON): This weekend the EU held a two-day dialogue in Doha with members of the Taliban declared interim Afghan government (‘the Afghan delegation’). This dialogue does not imply recognition by the EU of the interim government but is part of EU’s operational engagement, in the interest of the EU and the Afghan people.

According to the humanitarian principles of humanity, independence, impartiality and neutrality to ensure access to those in need “the two sides expressed grave concern about the worsening humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as winter is arriving. The EU delegation stated that the EU intends to continue providing humanitarian assistance to Afghan women, men and children in need.”

Both sides underlined the necessity of humanitarian access and of men and women participating in assessing the needs for, and the delivery of, humanitarian assistance to ensure equal access for women, men and children.

The EU delegation welcomed the confirmation by the Afghan delegation that humanitarian and ‘humanitarian+’ assistance will not be subject to taxation. The Afghan delegation recalled its commitment to resume the payment of salaries to all civil servants, who in many cases have not received their salary since May.

The Afghan delegation recalled its commitment to the rule of law and good governance. The EU delegation underlined the importance of democracy and called for any possible constitutional reform to be implemented through a transparent and participatory process.

Both sides expressed their commitment to the territorial integrity of a sovereign Afghanistan, at peace with itself and with its neighbours, interacting with the international community based on national sovereignty and mutual respect and recognition of all its national and international responsibilities.