Brussels, 11/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 11 March, EU foreign affairs ministers underlined that the EU is looking forward to the coming elections in Pakistan in May 2013, which will be “peaceful, credible, transparent, inclusive and acceptable to the Pakistani people”. In their conclusions, they state that “it is very important that the elections take place in an environment free from intimidation and coercion, and they state that the EU is ready to deploy an election observation mission.
Reiterating that the strategic dialogue forms the bedrock for stronger relations between the EU and Pakistan in the long term, the ministers state that the EU is looking forward to revitalising the 5-year engagement plan. Stating that the new government will have to take urgent measures to ensure the essential reforms at the institutional, economic, fiscal and energy level, the Council calls on the political parties to create the “momentum necessary” to reach agreement on these reforms. The ministers also reiterate their firm and constant commitment to the deepening of relations with Islamabad, saying that the strengthening of democracy is at the centre of this commitment. The EU therefore strongly condemns all acts of violence “including sectarian violence and violence against women, children and vulnerable religious minorities”, and urges the Pakistani authorities to take the necessary action to protect citizens and bring to justice the perpetrators of these acts.
In addition, the ministers underline Islamabad's important role in promoting stability in South East Asia, encourage progress in India-Pakistan relations, and welcome the “constructive” role of Pakistan in promoting a secure Afghanistan. (CG/transl.fl)