Sopron, 30 November 2001

At its General Assembly on 29th and 30th November 2001, Sopron (H), the Assembly of European Regions (AER), which has roughly 250 member Regions, welcomed and honoured the success of the peace negotiations for Afghanistan having taken place in Petersberg, Bonn.

These negotiations are now possible and provide this country, which has suffered from unrest, war and violence for many decades, with a chance to live in peace and develop a society which respects the dignity of mankind, freedom and the personality of every individual. This means, above all, new opportunities for children, teenagers and women, all of which have been the principal victims of the war and the dictatorship.

The General Assembly expresses the hope that it will be possible to establish a structure which will eliminate all reasons for unrest and war and which will include all sections of society in the development and the reconstruction of a tortured country.

The experience and indepth knowledge of the oppressed women in Afghanistan must contribute to helping this country to find long term peace and freedom. In addition, women must be guaranteed appropriate representation within the future national, regional and local structures.

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