Statement on exchange of prisoners

21.11.2019
Kabul

The European Union Delegation to Afghanistan understands and values the difficulty and courage that President Ghani's recent decision to release prisoners entailed. The release of 2 professors and 10 Afghan hostages held by the Taliban for 3 Taliban prisoners is a strong gesture of goodwill by both sides. This highly symbolic and humanitarian measure can pave the way for further measures to put the peace process in motion, such as a swift launch of negotiations and work towards a ceasefire. In the meantime, an immediate and significant reduction in violence is needed to accompany the start of inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations.