Brussels, 25/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - The EU - pulling out all the stops in its efforts towards Pakistan - five-year engagement plan, trade preferences and the offer of an electoral observation mission - expects a great deal of progress from Islamabad in terms of both security and democracy .
In conclusions adopted following the visit of High Representative Catherine Ashton to Pakistan on 5-6 June, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg on 25 June, welcomed the launch of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue under the 5-year Engagement Plan, which began at the start of 2012 and relates to increased cooperation in the areas of politics, security, democracy, trade and investment, energy and migration.
Noting its support for Pakistan's democratic institutions and civilian government, and the role of civil society, the EU “looks forward” to the country's forthcoming elections, and expects these to “see a democratic transfer from one elected government to the next”. The EU says it is ready to consider deploying an election observation mission and to offer technical assistance should Pakistan request it.
Highlighting its offer of improved market access to Pakistan through implementation of the autonomous trade preferences under the WTO waiver and its commitment to provide for Pakistan's eligibility to GSP+ as from 2014, provided that it meets the necessary criteria, the EU encourages Pakistan to “intensify efforts” on political, economic, fiscal and energy reform. The Council reiterates, in particular, its expectations on the promotion and respect of human rights, including the protection of the rights of minorities and of freedom of religion, areas in which the EU and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen their dialogue.
The EU recognises the “many difficult security challenges” Pakistan faces, particularly the sacrifices it has made in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The EU calls on Islamabad to meet these challenges “with renewed strength”. As part of cooperation under the Engagement Plan, the EU and Pakistan are launching sector dialogues on non-proliferation and counter-terrorism. The EU promises to work closely with the Pakistani authorities to finalise and implement action plans on counter-terrorism under the EU counterterrorism/security strategy adopted on Monday. On migration, the Council calls for full implementation by Pakistan of the 2010 readmission agreement.
The EU welcomes the “positive momentum” in broader Pakistani external relations, most notably the improved relations with India, and encourages Pakistan to “play an active role” in all endeavours to strengthen regional political and economic co-operation in Asia and in promoting a secure Afghanistan. (EH/transl.rt)