Brussels, 05/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - Like the United States, the European Union is “wondering” whether the Pakistani army or the Pakistani intelligence services had anything to do with protecting Osama Bin Laden during the years he lived at his Abbottabad compound. This, however, should not cast any doubt on the EU's resolve to consolidate its partnership with this vitally important country, Catherine Ashton's spokesman told the press on Thursday 5 May. “Pakistan is an important partner for the EU. We see that its role for security and stability in the region is crucial. It is imperative to continue to support the democratic transition in Pakistan. The death of Bin Laden underlines the need for a broad and reinforced engagement with Pakistan generally but also on questions such as security issues, counter terrorism and human rights”, he said. Naturally, “the operation which led to Bin Laden's death has raised questions about the role of the Pakistani army and intelligence services but there can be no doubt that we have to rely on Pakistan's full cooperation as a partner”, Ashton's spokesman said. (H.B./transl.jl)