Afghanistan more than a war, EU says

STRASBOURG, France, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Engagement in Afghanistan should focus on more than just military endeavors, Europe's top foreign affairs official told members of Parliament.

Catherine Ashton, the high representative for foreign affairs for the European Union, told lawmakers that while engagement in Afghanistan is meant to deter terrorists, reconstruction shouldn't take a back seat to military affairs.

Europe, she said, is committed to Afghanistan "for the long haul." An assistance program runs through 2010 and baseline assistance is set at $264 million per year.

Afghanistan's problems concern the international community, she said. Terrorism extends beyond border while many of the narcotics produced in Afghanistan find their way to European streets.

Despite security issues, however, the country has seen gains in healthcare and other social services but there is more work to be done, Ashton said.

On military matters, the EU high representative said that the mission outlined by U.S. war planners in December 2008 was "beginning to have a real impact."

However, she said, there is no real sustainable military exit without corresponding civilian efforts.

"More effective state institutions, better governance, access to basic services, justice and rule of law are just as important as 'hard security'," she said.