Brussels, 14/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - Unanimously, the Spanish Presidency and the High Representative for CFSP, Javier Solana, welcomed, on Saturday, the decision taken by the President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, to adopt a series of measures with a view to "putting an end to fundamentalism, extremism and militancy". The European Commission, on the other hand, did not give an official reaction. One of its spokespersons declared, on Monday, however, that it "welcomes the speech by President Musharraf and is in line with the comments made by the Presidency and Mr Solana".
The EU Presidency mainly welcomes the determination expressed by Mr Musharraf to find a peaceful solution to the difficult situation traversed by Pakistan and India at the present time, as well as the clear condemnation of all forms of terrorism and his assurance that he will not tolerate any kind of terrorism originating in Pakistan. The Presidency also welcomes the ban on the two separatist groups of Kashmir, Jaish-e Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Toibah, and the adoption of a series of measures for the defence of tolerance and moderation, in the context of Pakistan's fight against terrorism and radicalism. It also stresses the importance of President Musharraf's affirmation whereby there is no room for terrorism in Kashmir, and "hopes that India will be able to respond in a positive way and that the current level of tension will fall".
Javier Solana mainly approves Mr Musharraf's rejection of all forms of terrorism and his decision to place militant groups outside the law. He congratulates him on his commitment to find a peaceful solution to the dispute with India over Kashmir and urges both parties to rapidly rekindle dialogue