EFSAS meets MEP, Chair of EU Delegation with Afghanistan, Member Committee Foreign Affairs and Member Subcommittee Security and Defence
13-11-2019
A delegation of the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) consisting of Ms. Yoana Barakova and Ms. Soana Deunier (Research Analysts EFSAS), held a meeting with Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Mr. Petras Auštrevičius - Chair of the Delegation for relations with Afghanistan, Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence.
The delegation of EFSAS and Mr. Auštrevičius discussed the numerous challenges faced by Afghanistan and the international community in regards to the settlement of the Afghan conflict, as well as the necessary implementation of a sustainable solution that voices the needs of the Afghan people. Mr. Auštrevičius further emphasised on the importance of the EU’s diplomatic engagements in Afghanistan that promote development and state building, and foster a peace process that is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned.
Ms. Soana Deunier (EFSAS) with Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Mr. Petras Auštrevičius
In addition, EFSAS representatives highlighted the alarming phenomenon of terrorism financing taking place in the region of South Asia and the ongoing perilous nexus between organised crime groups and extremist outfits. They deliberated upon how this comes as a threat not only to regional security but would have pervasive impact on the global community as well. Mr. Auštrevičius concurred, stating that the drug trade emanating from Afghanistan has provided the Taliban with substantive financial resources, and that the multiple terrorist organisations in Afghanistan, including the Islamic State, are benefitting from operating with international organised crime groups and vice versa. Furthermore, he asserted that combatting the globalised drug trade required greater efforts from the international community, which should be united on this front.
Both EFSAS and Mr. Auštrevičius agreed that the major power players and stakeholders must endeavour to fight all aspects of conflict, terrorism and crime in Afghanistan, and that any peace agreement resulting from negotiations must have a generational approach rather than a short-term one, to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
