Brussels. August 16. INTERFAX-Representatives of the European Parliament (EP) issued a statement on Monday expressing concern that Russia and China may take advantage of the events in Afghanistan.
"The EU needs to develop a new strategy for Afghanistan and the region, taking into account the new circumstances in which Russia and China will try to quickly fill the political vacuum. In particular, Pakistan, Iran and India should be called upon to play a constructive role in Afghanistan, " the document published on the website of the European Parliament says.
"We deeply regret the recent political, military and moral disaster in Afghanistan and express our deep concern about the situation," the document signed by the Chairman of the EP Committee on International Affairs David McAllister, the head of the EP Committee on Development Thomas Tobe and the head of the EP delegation for relations with Afghanistan Piatras Aust'revicius says.
According to them, "the hasty withdrawal of US and NATO troops from the country without creating a base and the shocking collapse of Afghan institutions and their security forces allowed the Taliban (a terrorist organization banned in the Russian Federation - IF) to unexpectedly quickly seize power in the country."
Representatives of the European Parliament said that in this situation, "humanitarian activities prevail over everything." They called on all parties in Afghanistan to ensure " the safe and orderly departure of foreign citizens and Afghans wishing to leave the country."
"The departure through the Kabul airport should be guaranteed at all costs," the MEPs stressed.
The statement also calls on those in power in Afghanistan to "refrain from violence and respect fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law, as well as the achievements of the last twenty years in the field of women's and girls' rights, the right to education, health and socio-economic development."
The document states that the EU, together with other partners, "must urgently address the humanitarian crisis in the country and the region caused by conflict, displacement (of people), food insecurity, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic."
