By EuAsiaNews
Brussels: The Council of European Union Foreign Ministers will have an exchange of views during its formal monthly meeting on Monday on the latest developments in Pakistan and following the visit to Brussels of President Pervez Musharraf on 21 January.
EU officials have strongly stressed the importance of holding free and fair elections scheduled to take place on 18 February, which should allow for a democratic and transparent electoral process under proper security conditions.
Overall stability in the country and further progress on the path towards democracy are among the most important challenges for Pakistan.
According to EU officials, elements looking to destabilise Pakistan should not be allowed to succeed.
After meetings with President Musharraf in Brussels on 21 January, both the EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, whose country holds the current EU Presidency , reiterated that the EU wanted the elections to bring progress in reform, especially in ensuring the rule of law.
EU Foreign Ministers will also discuss the Middle East, in particular the alarming situation in Gaza, Palestine, Iran’s nuclear issue and developments in Lebanon.