Top diplomats at UN meeting offer support for Afghanistan - Associated Press

GENEVA  - 

Top diplomats from Russia, the United States and the European Union united Wednesday in support for the Afghan president's efforts to stabilize his war-battered nation, saying progress has been made but more is needed, especially in areas of security, anti-corruption and the push to launch peace talks with the Taliban.

The statements came at a U.N.-backed conference in Geneva, where President Ashraf Ghani said he wanted to "specifically recognize the commitment in blood and treasure that the United States has shown since 2001" in Afghanistan.

Ghani called the U.S. its "key ally" and praised the Trump administration's South Asia policy as a "game changer" for Afghanistan.

The Geneva meeting aims to take stock of the Afghan government's use of billions of dollars in foreign aid for education, health care, humanitarian support and needs since 2016.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said his country hoped for an "end of this fratricidal war" in Afghanistan and cited concerns about the stepped-up militant attacks by the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan.

Federica Mogherini, the EU foreign affairs chief, said the bloc was "ready to do our part as a neutral player." She welcomed Ghani's offer of peace talks with the Taliban.

"It is a unique opportunity to break the stalemate and to move the country forward," she said. "We believe it is time for concrete talks about peace to begin."

U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale urged all to seize the opportunity to move toward peace. 

"Today we reaffirm our commitment to the Afghan people," he said, noting that Ghani's initiative was among "encouraging signs."- Read More
Top diplomats at UN meeting offer support for Afghanistan - AP News