European Council Urges U.S. Military to Keep Kabul Airport Open ‘As Long As Necessary’ to Complete Evacuations
August 24, 2021–In an emergency meeting on Afghanistan held virtually today along with heads of NATO and the United Nations, leaders in the G7 industrialized countries promised a series of steps to stay active in dealing with a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and the fallout of the ensuing humanitarian crisis.
The G7 includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany and Japan.
Facing the largest humanitarian crisis of the year due to the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, the G7 leaders met to coordinate a diplomatic strategy.
Namely, the G7 leaders promised to take the following actions:
- Coordinate the immediate international humanitarian response in the region through the United Nations.
- Develop a coordinated long-term regional response with neighboring countries.
- Evacuate G7 citizens and Afghans who have partnered with the U.S. and NATO forces.
- Work with countries in the region to resettle refugees.
Furthermore, the G7 statement vowed to keep a watch on the new Taliban government.
“As we do this, we will judge the Afghan parties by their actions, not words. In particular, we reaffirm that the Taliban will be held accountable for their actions on preventing terrorism, on human rights in particular those of women, girls and minorities and on pursuing an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.”
-G7 Joint Statement on August 24, 2021
UK’s Johnson Stands by Humanitarian Aid
United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the current chair of the G7, called the emergency meeting. Johnson focused his attention on UK’s commitments on aid and the resettlement of refugees as well as the evacuation.
“As we look ahead to the next phase, it’s vital we come together as an international community and agree on a joint approach for the longer term,” Johnson said ahead of the meeting. According to a statement, the U.K. government is pledging £286 million in humanitarian support.
“The G7 has huge leverage,” Johnson told reporters after the meeting. He said Western leaders developed “a roadmap” for dealing with the Taliban. Furthermore, the group is insisting upon safe passage for evacuees even after August 31.
EU: Secure the Airport ‘As Long As Necessary’
“We have also raised this issue with our American friends and partners on two particular aspects: first, the need to secure the airport, as long as necessary, to complete the operations; and second, a fair and equitable access to the airport, for all nationals entitled to evacuation,” said European Council President Charles Michel.
Meanwhile, even as the Taliban has assumed full control of Afghanistan, many leaders continued to call for political negotiations and settlement.
Redefining Democracy Promotion
Biden has defended not only his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan but also his administration’s commitment to supporting human rights and democracy.
EU leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to ideals in light of the significant defeat in Afghanistan.
“Ending the military operation in Afghanistan is not the end of our commitment to promoting rule of law, democracy, and human rights in the world. On the contrary, we should be more determined than ever,” Michel said.
– European Council President Charles Michel on August 24, 2021
For more information, see G7 joint statement, European Council statement and UK government statement.
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