Statement by EU HR Ashton in response to President Karzai's announcement on transition in Afghanistan

This morning, President Karzai announced the start of the transition process in Afghanistan. The Afghan Government, supported by the international community, is embarking on a crucial period during which strong Afghan leadership will be of the essence.

With leadership comes accountability, both to the Afghan people as well as to international undertakings.

The EU stands ready to further support the transition process, in particular in the areas of governance, development and police reform.

The EU has a long-term commitment to assist Afghanistan with strengthening its democratic institutions, economic and social development, and to promoting effective regional cooperation. In this context, the EU is ready to further develop its own political and economic ties with Afghanistan.

| Top |

• EU Statement - United Nations Security Council: Situation in Afghanistan (29/9/2011)
• Statement by the spokesperson of EU HR Ashton on killing of head of Afghanistan's High Peace Council (21/9/2011)
• Afghanistan: Statement by the spokesperson of EU HR Ashton on recent killings (28/7/2011)
• EU Statement - United Nations Security Council: Situation in Afghanistan (6/7/2011)
• EU HR Ashton travels to Washington, DC for high level meetings (16/5/2011)
• Afghanistan: Statement by the spokesperson of EU HR Ashton on attack against UN office in Mazar-i-Sharif (1/4/2011)
• EU Statement - United Nations Security Council: Situation in Afghanistan (17/3/2011)
• Statement by EU HR Ashton on attacks in Afghanistan (30/1/2011)
• Afghanistan: Statement by EU HR Ashton on the inauguration of the National Assembly  (26/1/2011)