Afghanistan will be the recipient of more European Union assistance if Sweden, which currently holds the EU presidency, has its way said a Swedish official as he wrapped up a visit to Afghanistan Sunday, according to dpa. Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt wrote on his blog at the conclusion of the three-day visit that he hopes to present some concrete assistance proposals this summer, but provided no details. Bildt visited Afghanistan, accompanied by the US special representative to the region, Richard Holbrooke, to discuss reconstructing Afghanistan's civilian and economic structures. Afghanistan, which faces a presidential election this year and parliamentary elections in 2010 is in a "very important phase," said Bildt, stressing the need for building up institutions during peacetime. He cited the fact that 90 per cent of the world's opium production comes out of Afghanistan as proof that there is no substitute for international engagement with the country.
