Doorstep statement by German Foreign Minister Maas at the EU’s Gymnich Foreign Ministers’ meeting:
There is a new reality in Afghanistan, whether we like it or not. We don’t have time to lick the wounds now. If the EU has a role to play – and it should play a role – we need to act quickly now.
And we now have to define our stance for AFG very quickly. It is important for us that there are some prerequisites: We want there to be an inclusive government, that basic human and women’s rights are upheld, and that Afghanistan does not become a new haven for terrorism. And then we are ready not only to provide humanitarian aid – because there is a threat of a humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan.
If these prerequisites are met, we are ready to get back into development aid in Afghanistan. Most people will remain in Afghanistan – except for our citizens and local workers, to whom we have granted a residence permit – (they) will not be able to leave Afghanistan because of the closed borders. That is why you have to help the people in Afghanistan now, and for that you also have to speak to the Taliban.
We are also ready, if these requirements are met and the security conditions are in place, to have a diplomatic presence again in Kabul. We will have to discuss this not only in the EU but also beyond. But if we want to help, we also have to have a permanent diplomatic presence on the ground.”
Source: German EU diplomacy (via WhatsApp)