European Union: We do not support the armed opposition of the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Kabul: Thomas Nicholson, the European Union's special representative in Afghanistan, said in an interview with "The Hindu" media that if we had seen progress in the development and protection of human rights, we could have established more constructive relations with the Islamic Emirate to help the stability of Afghanistan's economy.
 
Among the things that could change the attitude of the international community towards the ruling body in Afghanistan, Nicholson mentioned the reopening of all girls, taking positive steps to open the door to political dialogue, adopting a soft stance towards journalists, and successfully implementing amnesty for government officials. The former as well as trying to recognize the previous constitution or propose a new constitution and implement the rule of law is a step.
 
The European Union's special representative for Afghanistan, stating that the current authorities in Kabul have not made efforts in line with these issues, warned that failure to meet the expectations of the international community from the Islamic Emirate may affect global financial support for Afghanistan.
 
He also stated that at the meeting of the European Union foreign ministers, which is scheduled to be held in Brussels on February 20, the question will probably be raised whether the member states should provide assistance beyond humanitarian aid to Afghanistan or not.
 
In response to a question about the European Union's position on supporting armed groups against the Islamic Emirate, Nicholson also clarified: For the European Union, the option of supporting armed groups or military interventions is not on the table.
 
He continued: "I think that anyone who does this has to consider many risks: supporting the wrong people, or the failure of armed resistance, or tarnishing any attempt at armed resistance so that these efforts are seen from outside."
 
The EU Special Representative added: "Currently, among Afghans abroad, most of the groups that identify themselves as political leaders are mainly composed of ministers, politicians, ambassadors, and in some cases, Afghans known as warlords."
 
Stating that many Afghan people do not trust these people and see them as fugitives from the largely corrupt structure of the previous government, Nicholson clarified that any mid-term or long-term changes must come from within Afghanistan.