Brussels, 22/02/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 22 February, EU foreign ministers gave their approval to the conclusion of a readmission agreement between the EU and Pakistan. The readmission obligations set out in the agreement are based on full reciprocity. They will apply to national citizens and to citizens of third countries and to stateless persons. When submitting an application for readmission, third country nationals and stateless persons must be in possession of a visa or a valid residence permit issued by the requested state or have illegally entered the requesting state, arriving directly from the requested state. The agreement will only apply to persons who have entered the territory of the parties after it comes into force. A response to a readmission request must be given within 30 days, though this may be extended to 60 days in the event of complications. The 60-day time limit will not apply if the law of the requesting state provides for a maximum period of detention of no more than 60 days. If no response is given within the set time limit, the transfer will be deemed to have been approved. A joint readmission committee will be charged with monitoring the application of the agreement. (B.C./transl.rt)