EU calls on Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue

Brussels, Feb 10 (KUNA) -- The European Union called on Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to halt the escalation between the two sides, while condemning the deaths of “civilians” in airstrikes carried out by Islamabad inside Afghanistan. In a statement, the EU said that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan confirmed the killing of at least ten civilians, mostly children, and the injury of nine others in the airstrikes. The EU urged both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue, emphasizing the need for the de facto Afghan authorities to take effective action against “terrorist” groups operating within or launching attacks from Afghan territory. It stressed the importance of all parties respecting international law, including international humanitarian law, protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, and taking all feasible precautions to avoid harming civilians. Pakistan had said on Thursday that it carried out “precise and carefully planned” airstrikes targeting hideouts and safe havens of “terrorist” organizations inside Afghanistan. (End) Arn / T.M.A