Brussels, 17/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - European Commissioner for external relations Chris Patten, who was in New Delhi on Monday with the EU ministerial troika (the president of the Council Brian Cowen and his successor, the Dutch minister of foreign affairs Bernard Bot), welcomed the restart of dialogue between India and Pakistan on Monday in Islamabad Pakistan. Mr Patten warned that the international community would have to be patient and cooperative because the problems to resolve were difficult and, it should not expect rapid results. For Chris Patten the most important thing is that the dialogue has started again.
Asked in New Delhi on the criticism made by the Pakistani foreign affairs minister to European countries, who had, according to the minister, transferred nuclear technology to North Korea, Libya and Iran, Mr Patten gave assurances that if there were accusations of this kind, it would be necessary to launch an enquiry and bring any companies involved to justice. Commissioner Patten has also invited all countries to behave "responsibly" with regard to exports of nuclear technology whether they are signatory to the treaty of non-proliferation or not.
The Troika continued its visit to the region with visits to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
In Brussels CFSP High Representative Javier Solana welcomed the commitment of the Pakistani president Musharraf and the Indian prime minister Vjpayee, as well as the "commitment of both governments to the peaceful settlement of all bilateral issues and to regional cooperation. In a declaration Mr Solana encouraged the two parties to apply measures of confidence building including in the field of nuclear capabilities and stated that the restart of the "composite dialogue" (a process comprising eight areas of disagreement between the two countries which stalled in July 2001) would allow for hope of normalisation between the two countries. Mr Solana said that the Union was ready to share its experience and expertise.