|
At their meeting, topics of discussion were the NATO operation in Afghanistan, the European Union police mission, and development co-operation between the two nations. They also discussed the Afghani journalist Sayed Pervez Kambaksh’s trial, in which the lower court has sentenced the journalist to death.
Foreign Minister Paet believes that death penalty is reprehensible, and he expressed hope that Kambaksh’s trial will continue in the higher court objectively and in accordance with the rules of legal proceedings. “The Afghani judicial system should be given a chance to correct its mistakes and to reach a verdict that does not involve the death of a journalist,” said Paet.
The Afghani defence minister thanked Estonia for its contributions in building up Afghanistan and acknowledged the fact that the nation still has a great need for international aid and civil contributions. Foreign Minister Paet confirmed that Estonia plans to send a police officer to the European Union police mission soon, and that a health care expert will be sent to Helmand province. “Estonia is prepared to stay in Afghanistan for as long as our help is needed. At the same time, the effort that the Afghanis themselves are putting in alongside the foreign aid must increase,” said Paet. Estonia’s priorities in development co-operation with Afghanistan are supporting health care and education, as well as promoting democracy and good administrative practices. Estonia also donated 500,000 kroons to support the population census that will be carried out this summer.
Another topic at the ministers’ meeting was Afghanistan’s war refugees. There are an estimated 4 million Afghani refugees altogether in the neighbouring nations of Iran and Pakistan. The ministers agreed that their return to their homes should be supported. “However, the refugees should not be sent back to where the proper conditions for receiving them do not exist,” Paet said.
Afghanistan is Estonia’s largest military mission, with almost 120 soldiers stationed there. The Estonian Defence Forces operate alongside the Great British and Danish contingents, and their current mandate lasts until the end of this year.
PRESS SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE
+ 372 637 7654
pressitalitus@mfa.ee
|
