The Council of the European Union in a new statement reaffirmed its political commitment to Afghanistan for peace, security and self-reliance but stated that its continued political and financial support to Afghanistan is contingent on an Islamic emirate not being formed, the protections of gains of the last 19 years, the upholding of rights, the protection of the Republic, and a lasting ceasefire and immediate start of intra-Afghan negotiations, among other things.

Residents in Afghanistan’s capital on Friday strongly criticized the Afghan government over what they described as a lack of concentration in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, saying fighting the deadly virus is no longer a priority for the government.