Press Release: Statement of European Commissioner for External Relations, Chris Patten, on outcome of Bonn talks on Afghanistan

European Commissioner for External Relations, Chris Patten, welcomed the breakthrough reached on 5 December 2001at the UN-sponsored talks in Bonn on the future of Afghanistan. The European Commission is mobilising its Rapid Reaction Mechanism to provide immediate support for the task force led by UNSR Brahimi and for an initial package of support to the interim administration to help it to address the formidable challenges it faces. Chris Patten also confirmed the EU's committment to making a significant contribution to the reconstruction of the country after the devastating effects of twenty years of war. The European Union will host the next meeting of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Group in Brussels before Christmas 2001.