The European Union has asked the Afghan government for a swift operationalization of the High Council for National Reconciliation, TOLOnews reported. The Council was established to provide directions for peace negotiation with the Taliban.

The Afghan government has not yet appointed all members of the reconciliation council which is currently chaired by Dr Abdullah Abdullah. The Afghan government has been facing criticism for the delay in appointing members.   

The EU in a statement said a sustainable peace and outcome that respect the rights of the Afghan people would require “inclusion of all voices” and “strong political unity” on the Republic side. 

“In addition to political leaders, the membership of the Council should include a diverse membership representing women’s groups, war victims, religious minorities, youth, and civil society organizations,” reads a statement released by the EU. 

"The EU Delegation and EU Heads of Mission based in Kabul, as underscored at the Afghanistan 2020 conference, reaffirm the strong support of the European Union and its Member States to a balanced Afghan Peace process," the statement said.

Ismail Khan, a prominent Afghan politician from the western region of the country, blamed the government for the delay and said external pressure was causing the delay. 

The council headed by Dr Abdullah Abdullah had not conducted a single meeting, he alleged.