The European Union (EU) delegation in Kabul in a statement on Thursday called for the “swift establishment and operationalization of the High Council of National Reconciliation,” a body designated to provide guidance to the peace negotiations.
The statement comes amid criticism of the council for not filling all of its member posts, and thus delaying the Doha peace process.
"The EU Delegation and EU Heads of Mission based in Kabul, as underscored at the Afghanistan 2020 conference, reaffirm the strong support of the European Union and its Member States to a balanced Afghan Peace process," the statement said.
The statement said that “reaching a sustainable outcome respecting the rights and aspirations of the Afghan people will be best served by a strong political unity on the side of the Republic and the inclusion of all Afghan voices in the process.”
The EU said that the High Council of National Reconciliation has been designated to provide guidance to the negotiations.
“In addition to political leaders, the membership of the Council should include a diverse membership representing women’s groups, war victims, religious minorities, youth and civil society organizations,” the statement said.
“We express deep concern about the continuing high level of violence and the security situation in Afghanistan, especially the number of civilian casualties and call for an immediate permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, and full respect of International Humanitarian Law,” the statement concluded.
The council spokesman earlier this week said that efforts are underway to complete the formation of the council.
Abdullah Abdullah on Thursday met with former president Hamid Karzai and former mujahideen leader Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf and discussed the peace process, the Doha talks and recent developments in the country, Abdullah said on Twitter.
Echoing the EU's statement and in response to Abdullah's meeting with political leaders, German envoy for Afghanistan Markus Potzel in a tweet said they are "still waiting for decisions on the leadership council" of the High Council for National Reconciliation.