Ambassador Markus Potzel, the Special Representative of the Federal Government for Afghanistan and Pakistan, has left for Afghanistan, where he will hold high level talks with members of the Afghan Government. He will head the German delegation at the Kabul Process for Peace and Security Cooperation conference. The German Government wants the conference to send a clear signal of support for the commencement of peace talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban. The conference should also discuss concrete steps to promote a peace process, which has so far been rejected by the Taliban. Germany, which provides military and civilian assistance in the country, is pushing for the start of peace talks under Afghan leadership as the only way of permanently resolving the long standing conflict in Afghanistan.

The Afghan Government faces tremendous challenges as it seeks to improve the security situation, implement economic reforms and prepare for the forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. Germany has promised its support on condition that the Afghan Government is rigorous in its implementation of the necessary measures, including steps to combat corruption. The present disputes between the two camps in the national unity government have to be settled as a matter of urgency through talks in accordance with the Afghan constitution and the coalition agreements, in order to ensure that the imminent challenges can be met. Germany expects all political stakeholders involved to act with a sense of responsibility and to evince a willingness to compromise.