As violence escalates in the country and both sides accuse each other of launching attacks against the other, the European Parliament in a press release issued on Wednesday called upon all stakeholders in Afghanistan to put in place a permanent and immediate ceasefire.

The European Parliament in a joint statement of the Chairs for the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the delegation for relations with Afghanistan welcomed the launch of the direct peace negotiations.

However, the European Parliament condemned the eruption of violence during the last weeks.

“We call upon all stakeholders in Afghanistan to put in place an immediate and permanent ceasefire,” read the statement.

The Parliament also said that those responsible for the recent terrorist attacks and the continuous violence need to be held accountable.

The statement further said that a comprehensive peace process is a precondition to end four decades of death and destruction and to bring stability, security and peace to Afghanistan. Intra-Afghan negotiations are key to the peace process, it said.

The European Parliament also insists on the need for the negotiations to be inclusive and Afghan-owned and Afghan-led.

“All political factions and civil society, including Afghan women, youth and minorities, should be involved in the talks and throughout the whole process. It is essential that everyone in Afghanistan feels represented during the negotiations and in the next government, in order to safeguard respect for human rights, notably women’s and children's rights.”

The European Parliament said that we assure the continuous solidarity and support of the European Union to the Afghan people, its government and security forces during this challenging endeavour.

“The European Parliament stands ready to facilitate and support the peace process with the aim of preserving the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, building upon the political, economic and social achievements of the people of Afghanistan," read the statement.