The Group of Seven of the world’s richest nations has almost come together to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, specifically the controversial issue of the August 31 US troop withdrawal.
European Council President Charles Michel said in a press conference at the conclusion of the meeting that he defended the extension of the deadline for the withdrawal of Western forces, stressing that “it is important to try to extend this deadline.” In any case, Michel emphasized that “Ending military operations in Afghanistan does not mean the end of our efforts to advance democracy and human rights in the world.”. “On the contrary, we must be more determined than ever,” he added.
And Michel called on the United States to ensure the security of Kabul airport “as much as it takes to complete the complex evacuation of foreigners and Afghans wishing to leave Afghanistan.”. “There should be fair and equitable access to the airport for all countries involved in the evacuations,” he added.
“The European Union will play its role to ensure the security of Afghans who seek to leave Afghanistan,” Michel said, stressing that international protection will be provided to those facing persecution.
As the President of the European Council stated,It is too early to say what kind of relationship will be established with the new Afghan authoritiesHe called for a “comprehensive political understanding.” He stressed that “if we want to have a positive impact and help the Afghans, we have to deal with the new authorities and this will be subject to strict conditions.”
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, echoed Charles Michel’s comments, declaring that “it is a moral imperative to help the Afghan people by providing them with maximum support and conditions.” “The situation is indeed a tragedy for the Afghan people and an important setback for the international community,” von der Leyen said.
Von de Leyen also announced that the European Commission is proposing to quadruple humanitarian aid. “We will increase it to 200 million euros by 2021 to help meet the immediate needs of Afghans in both Afghanistan and neighboring countries,” he said.
This was announced by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who chaired the virtual summit of the Group of Seven The G7 countries will demand “safe passage” from the Taliban for Afghans who want to leave Afghanistan after August 31, when US forces are expected to leave the country.
“The first condition we set for the G7 is that they must ensure safe passage for those who want to leave by August 31 and beyond,” Boris Johnson said.
“What we have to do is use our very significant influence as the G7 to work on the new powers in Afghanistan, insist on safe trading and follow a path that we believe is compatible with our values,” Johnson emphasized.
“All people must be removed before that date. After August 31, this will not be allowed, and we will have a different situation,” Avisu Mujahid.
The rebel spokesman also called for the withdrawal of only foreign nationals and not the most qualified Afghans, declaring that Afghans are now prohibited from going to Kabul airport to avoid overcrowding.
At a press conference, Zabihullah Mujahid accused the United States of withdrawing “Afghan experts” such as engineers from the country, and added: “We ask them to stop this.”
“We are not in favor of letting the Afghans leave, and we won’t. After the 31st, we will not allow the Americans to be here and we will take a firm stand.”repeat.
A spokesman for the extremist movement sought to reassure the thousands of Afghans at Kabul airport hoping to board a plane that they had nothing to fear and should return home. “We left everything in the past, do not encourage our citizens to leave,” Mujahid appealed. “We guarantee their safety,” he said.
The United States maintains the withdrawal on August 31
The withdrawal of Western forces from Afghanistan on August 31 appears to be the only point of consensus between the United States and the Taliban.
A US official announced that, despite pressure from his allies to delay the evacuation of Afghanistan to give more time to evacuate all those who want to leave the country, US President Joe Biden has decided to stick to the end-of-month date. government this Tuesday.
Biden made the decision after consulting with his national security team, weighing the risks of keeping troops on the ground beyond a deadline and choosing to complete the mission next Tuesday, his deadline, even before the Taliban captured Kabul on August 15.
But the government source said Biden had asked his national security team to draw up contingency plans in the event that a situation arises that needs to slightly extend his deadline.
“Hardcore alcohol maven. Hipster-friendly analyst. Introvert. Devoted social media advocate.”
