Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 June 2013
56. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Afghan Government has taken over complete control of security in the country; his views on whether this is a positive and timely development; and his views on the recent breakdown in negotiations between the Afghan Government and the Taliban. [30774/13]
View answerThe Deputy is referring to the announcement on 18 June of the beginning of the final phase of the Transition process that will see the Afghan National Security Forces take full responsibility for security across Afghanistan by the end of 2014. I hope that this will enable Afghanistan to make further progress towards the goal of becoming a peaceful, self-governing and democratic state, based on respect for human rights, including the rights of Afghan women, and on respect for the rule of law.
There are, however, significant challenges. Afghanistan is facing a complex and difficult transition period. Although progress has been made in many areas, this progress remains fragile and reversible.
I believe that success in achieving the overall transition and stabilising Afghanistan will depend to a crucial extent on the political progress made in relation to reconciliation and peace-building and on longer-term state-building.
It is widely accepted that there is a need for a strong and inclusive political process in Afghanistan. I believe – and there is a growing international consensus to this effect - that dialogue with the Taliban and the inclusion of regional neighbours in the peace dialogue are essential to the prospects for longer-term peace and the building of a stable, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan.
