Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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363. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his efforts to restart peace talks in Afghanistan, particularly in view of the launch of the spring offensive by the Taliban and the recent bomb attack in Kabul; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8091/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The devastating attack in Kabul on April 19th has led to the loss of an estimated 64 lives, with hundreds more injured. The majority of those affected by the attack are civilians. I would like to extend my sympathies to those affected, and express my regret at the senseless loss of life resulting from this Taliban-claimed atrocity.

This latest attack highlights the urgent need for a resumption of peace talks in order to secure a peaceful and lasting political solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. The conflict has cost many thousands of lives and has brought huge suffering to the Afghan people.

EU Foreign Ministers have regularly discussed and adopted conclusions on Afghanistan. The June 2014 Foreign Affairs Council approved a detailed three year strategy for the EU’s relations with and support for the country. The strategy recognises that the peace process should be Afghan-owned and Afghan-led, but that it is clear that all regional actors have important roles to play in facilitating and supporting a successful peace process.

I fully support the Council’s call last October for the Government of Afghanistan and all partners in the region to engage credibly to end conflict and ensure a stable environment. I strongly urge all parties involved in the conflict to participate in talks and I call on all countries in the region to encourage the Taliban to return to the talks table and to support an inclusive settlement and an end to violence.

The protracted conflict in Afghanistan has caused huge suffering for the Afghan people. The EU is providing very substantial levels of financial and other support, and is committed to provide €1.4 billion until 2020. Ireland too has played its part, providing some €47 million in assistance to Afghanistan since 2005.

Afghanistan continues to face huge challenges and there will be a need for continued international support. A conference scheduled to take place in Brussels in October, will facilitate reconfirmation of the international community’s commitment to Afghanistan’s future.