Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-02-12-Speech-4-008"
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"en.20040212.1.4-008"2
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"Madam President, I would first of all like to thank Mr Brie for his report, which has given us a fair picture of the situation in Afghanistan, one also very similar to that which we saw together on the ground when we visited last June, under the clear guidance of Mr Morillon.
Since 2001 and following the fall of the Taliban, Afghanistan, with the aid of the European Union and with international assistance, has had to face numerous challenges in order to ensure, on the one hand, its physical reconstruction and, on the other, its political reconstruction. I am clearly delighted with the adoption of a new Constitution for Afghanistan, on 4 January, by the Loya Jirga. This new Constitution marks a step forward on the road to democracy, as well as being a fundamental condition for the organisation of the future presidential and legislative elections.
In order for the reconstruction to become a reality, however, and for the political process to be a success, a secure environment is necessary, so that the governmental bodies, the agents of international assistance and civil society can combine their efforts to reconstruct the country's infrastructures and civil institutions. There will be no reconstruction without security. That is why we must support the establishment of future provincial reconstruction teams, PRTs, which should soon be deployed outside Kabul. These teams will have the task of ensuring security, but also helping in the reconstruction of the country.
Our support must extend to the process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants into civilian life. Finally, we must support the Afghan Government in its fight against opium growing, with a view to helping it to find effective alternative solutions. We must be aware that opium production has increased by 6% since 2002, which means that the country is the world's biggest supplier with 77% of world production.
Furthermore, the European Union and the international community must continue to actively support the numerous NGOs which, despite the climate of insecurity, provide considerable assistance to the Afghan population. Within this humanitarian framework, we must encourage implementation of prevention centres and help centres for women, expectant mothers and children. In fact, even though we must take pleasure in the reference to equal treatment in the new Constitution, we all know that the situation of women is fragile and that respect for their fundamental rights will only be achieved with the help of the international community and as a result of intensive information and education campaigns.
Afghanistan needs financial aid and logistical support from the European Union now more than ever. The democratic process has begun, but it remains fragile. It is important that the Commission quickly mobilises the necessary resources to ensure effective financial aid. That is why I believe that the creation of the European agency for reconstruction in Afghanistan, similar to the one implemented in Kosovo, should receive our full support.
In summary, I would like to remind you that we owe a debt to Afghanistan. For many years we have been absent when that country needed us. It is now our responsibility to do everything to help Afghanistan finally live in peace."@en1
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