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Foreign partners pledge ‘conditions-based’ support to Afghanistan
Addressing delegates at the key donor pledging conference in Geneva on Tuesday, the European Union’s (EU) foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for an immediate ceasefire in Afghanistan and said that any move to set up an Islamic Emirate would affect the bloc’s support.
Borrell told delegates at the pledging conference: “A ceasefire should not be an outcome of the (peace) process, it should accompany the process from today…Any attempt to restore an Islamic Emirate would have an impact on our political and financial engagement.”
Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, who announced the EU’s pledge at the conference, said: “A pledge of €1.2 billion (US$1.4 billion) for the next four years illustrates our commitment to the Afghan people. Our assistance will support the Afghan authorities’ agenda for democratic, sustainable development and modernisation, helping to lift people out of poverty, improve governance, reduce corruption and enhance the daily lives of the Afghan people.”
In a statement issued by the EU after the announcement, the bloc said: “The EU’s support to Afghanistan is conditional upon an inclusive, Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace process that builds on the political and social achievements of the last 19 years.”
The EU was not however alone in its conditions-based approach as many other countries echoed these words.
Top of the list among a number of conditions was that of women’s rights and most donors pledged support on condition that women’s voices continued to be heard, that women form a key component to the peace process and that their rights are preserved.
Reuters meanwhile reported that uncertainty over whether compromises needed for peace might lead to backsliding on human and women’s rights, has made some countries wary about making long-term commitments to an Afghan administration – which needs foreign money to cover about three-quarters of its spending.
Some diplomats said that keeping a tight rein on funding could provide foreign governments with some leverage to inject a greater sense of urgency into the peace process.
Also, most governments are under intense pressure to make savings as they ramp up spending to help their own economies recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, diplomats told Reuters.
Countries pledged billions of dollars on Tuesday in addition to the EU’s 1.2 billion euros ($1.43 billion).
According to Shamroz Khan Masjidi, spokesman for the Ministry of Finance, Afghanistan’s foreign partners pledged a total of US$6 billion for development over the next four years.
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Poland deports three Afghan asylum seekers despite European court order
Poland has deported three Afghan asylum seekers to Kabul despite an interim ruling by the European Court of Human Rights ordering a halt to their removal, according to Polish media reports.
The case was reported by OKO.press, which said the deportations took place earlier this month as part of a planned operation involving a group of Afghan nationals.
According to the report, Polish authorities had scheduled the deportation of nine Afghan migrants on April 10. However, the European Court issued urgent interim measures instructing Poland to suspend the deportations, citing concerns over the safety of the individuals if returned to Afghanistan.
Despite being informed of the court’s decision prior to the flight, Polish authorities proceeded with the deportation of three individuals to Kabul, while the remaining cases were halted.
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Russia delivers fortified flour aid to Afghanistan
The aid consignment forms part of Russia’s broader contribution to the World Food Programme (WFP). Russian officials say the total volume of assistance under this contribution will reach approximately 3,977 tonnes.
The handover ceremony in northern Afghanistan highlights ongoing international efforts to address food insecurity in the country, where millions remain in need of humanitarian support due to economic challenges, climate-related shocks, and prolonged instability.
The WFP, which is leading food assistance operations across Afghanistan, relies on contributions from international donors to sustain its programs.
Russia’s latest delivery adds to a series of humanitarian shipments provided to Afghanistan through multilateral channels.
Aid agencies continue to warn that sustained international support will be critical in the months ahead, as many Afghan families struggle to secure basic food supplies.
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AWCC donates saplings to NEPA in push for greener Afghanistan
Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC) has donated thousands of ornamental and non-fruit-bearing saplings to the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) as part of efforts to promote greenery and improve the country’s environment.
NEPA officials said the saplings will be planted at new terminals of the Ministry of Transport, at several government offices, and across parts of Kabul to enhance urban greenery and environmental quality.
The agency welcomed the contribution and called on other private sector entities to support environmental initiatives and urban greening efforts.
Afghan Wireless officials said the company, in coordination with NEPA and municipal authorities, plans to continue tree-planting campaigns in Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Kunduz.
Mohammad Khan Yaqoubi, legal adviser to AWCC, said the company also intends to expand cooperation this year in Kabul, Kandahar, Bamyan, and Herat alongside environmental authorities and Kabul Municipality.
NEPA officials urged citizens to take part in efforts to develop and protect the country’s environment, emphasizing the importance of preserving a greener Afghanistan for future generations.
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