Statement on exchange of prisoners
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.