The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, spoke by telephone today with President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani.

Expressing condolences and sympathy to the President over Tuesday’s attack in Charikar, which killed and injured dozens, the High Representative underlined the European Union’s support to the Afghan people and stressed the importance of an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process that would pave the way to peace and prosperity in the country.

Following the setback in the US-Taliban talks and the intra-Afghan Dialogue, elections are needed more than ever. For this reason, Federica Mogherini expressed her hope that the presidential elections of 28 September will be held in a calm, fair and transparent manner.

Regretting the suspension of the US-Taliban peace talks and the intra Afghan-Dialogue, the High Representative/Vice-President highlighted that direct peace talks between the Government and the Taliban remain the only way forward towards lasting peace, with a balanced agreement in favour of all Afghans, accompanied by a ceasefire. In this context, the High Representative confirmed that the EU will continue its support to the Afghan people.