News
Friday, May 06, 2011
Pakistan needs support more than ever: EU
BRUSSELS: Pakistan more than ever needs support in its efforts to combat terrorism and bolster democracy following the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, the European Union said on Thursday.
While the US operation on Pakistani soil “has raised questions” on the role of the country’s army and intelligence services, “there can be no doubt that we will have to rely on Pakistan’s full cooperation as a partner,” said Michael Mann, spokesman for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy High Representative Catherine Ashton.
“More than ever we need to underpin the democratic elected government of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani,” he said. But he cautioned that the death of the terrorist mastermind “underlines the need for a broad and reinforced engagement of Pakistan generally, but also on security-related issues such as counter terrorism and human rights.”
The EU has been fighting for months to push through a controversial plan to offer Pakistan trade concessions as relief for its 2010 flood devastation.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has said targeted market access to the EU for Pakistan would bolster the country. “The stability of Pakistan is in everyone’s interest,” he said. afp
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk