Brussels, 29/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 29 November, the high representative stressed that Pakistan is a “key partner” and has a “vital role to play in resolving the Afghan conflict”, with tension high between the country and the United States after cross-border NATO airstrikes along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which left 24 Pakistani soldiers dead and 13 wounded on 26 November. Catherine Ashton said that she supports the “efforts of Pakistan and of NATO to conduct a full investigation” and that she is closely following reports of the incident. She reiterated the EU's commitment to continue to help Pakistan “in pursuit of the shared goals of promoting peace, security and prosperity”.
In reprisals for the attacks, Islamabad has blocked the transit through its territory of vital supplies for the Western forces in Afghanistan. (CG/transl.fl)