open popup Helping people in Afghanistan Photo: IMZ- Bildarchiv

Afghanistan is in a better position than it was only one year ago, and in a much better state than it was ten years ago, he said in a government statement. This is partly thanks to the work of German soldiers and diplomats.Corruption, human rights violations and the security situation do, however, still give grounds for concern, he added.

Transition launched

In July 2011 the transition began, and by February 2012 the Afghan Government will already be responsible for the security of about half of the population, said Guido Westerwelle. The first steps to hand over responsibility have been successful.

The international community has undertaken to support Afghanistan in the long term. Never before has there been greater international consensus. At the Afghanistan Conference in Bonn the new partnership between Afghanistan and the international community was sealed. The strategic consensus of Bonn will now be translated into practice, building block by building block. For the decade of transition, from 2015 to 2024, the Federal Foreign Minister announced that a sound and reliable foundation would be laid.

Business opportunities exist

Guido Westerwelle pointed to the opportunities offered by Afghanistan’s rich reserves of raw materials, and to the Brussels business conference. He also pointed to the ongoing negotiations on a partnership and cooperation agreement between the EU and Afghanistan.

In addition, the German government will be negotiating a bilateral partnership agreement next year, which is to put cooperation on a firm footing. The Federal Foreign Minister continued, adding that the extractive sector in particular has potential and could in the long term make Afghanistan independent of financial assistance. German support will, however, be needed for many years to come, so as to build a competitive private sector.

Political solution needed for Afghanistan

It has now been generally accepted and recognised that there can be no military solution; only a political solution offers genuine prospects. The international community agreed on principles in Bonn that lay down clear yardsticks for a political solution, including the demand that the peace process reflect the legitimate interests of all Afghans.

All sections of the Afghan population must be able to identify with the peace process. The sovereignty, stability and unity of Afghanistan must also be guaranteed. This will involve renouncing violence and breaking with international terrorism, as well as officially recognising the Afghan constitution.

The entire region must accept the peace solution and support it, stressed Guido Westerwelle. Afghanistan must never again be allowed to pose a threat to the world. He also looked at the recent progress report on Afghanistan, which gave an uncompromising view of the successes achieved in the country, but also of the difficulties. The minister said that the security situation remains difficult, but that the Afghan forces can increasingly cope with the challenges.

German Bundestag to vote in January on extension of the mandate

Guido Westerwelle asked the German Bundestag to support the motion of the German government to extend the mandate of the Federal Armed Forces in Afghanistan by one year with a strong majority. The new mandate is to initiate the withdrawal of combat troops. By the end of January only 4,900 German troops are to be stationed in Afghanistan. The Bundestag is to vote on the extended mandate on 26 January 2012.