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EU relies on Afghan reconciliation to withdraw troops

(BRUSSELS2) The 27 Foreign Ministers, during the Council of January 25, agreed on a common approach, on the eve of the international conference on Afghanistan which is to be held on January 28 in London. Among the "common language elements", figure prominently " the reintegration of the insurgents into Afghan society "and the will that the Afghan government assumes" greater responsibility » and take »more in charge of his destiny ».

« Not all who fight are Taliban said German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle. What was taboo a few months ago is becoming a leitmotif. Among the insurgents, there are many sympathizers who must be " bring back into society “continues the German minister who drives the point home:” Anyone who believes that victory in Afghanistan can only be military is wrong."

A fund to reintegrate the rebels. The goal is to offer personal and economic alternatives to Taliban sympathizers willing to renounce violence. The Europeans thus support the creation of a fund aimed at promoting the reintegration of Taliban sympathizers into Afghan society, whether through projects carried out, for example, in rural areas or in the education sector.

The 27 also discussed the future of European assistance to this State, in particular the strengthening of EU representation in Afghanistan (by merging the EU and Commission delegations) as well as support for police reform (I will come back).

Nicolas Gros Verheyde

Chief editor of the B2 site. Graduated in European law from the University of Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne and listener to the 65th session of the IHEDN (Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Défense Nationale. Journalist since 1989, founded B2 - Bruxelles2 in 2008. EU/NATO correspondent in Brussels for Sud-Ouest (previously West-France and France-Soir).

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