By NNN-APP
Islamabad : European Union has appreciated election process in Pakistan and assured that EU members would extend their full cooperation and assistance to the new democratic government for the welfare of the masses.
The EU delegation led by Matjaz Sinkovec, State Secretary of Slovenia, which currently holds the EU Presidency, expressed these remarks during a meeting with Chairman Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed here at the Parliament House on Tuesday.
Highlighting various events in the region, Senator Mushahid emphasized the need that the America and the EU should revise its policies towards war against terror.
He said instead of using force, the policy of negotiations and talks with all segments of the society and all sections should be adopted by the EU and NATO forces in Afghanistan to ensure peace in the region.
Referring to policies adopted by America after launching war in Afghanistan in 1979 to counter Russian forces there, Mushahid said America should avoid repeating such mistakes.
He said America has ‘out-source’ the war in Afghanistan and NATO has not achieved any positive result in this war as the NATO has neither the will to win the war and nor has the stomach to sustain the defeat.
Referring to the regional situation, Mushahid said all the neighbours of Afghanistan including Iran should be taken on board to have proper and constructive negotiations for peace and stability in the region.
Mushahid highlighting the negative impact of increasing production of poppy in Afghanistan said it should be controlled as drug money is being used by the terrorists.
He asked the EU delegation that negotiations and consultations by NATO, Afghan government and America with different factions of Taliban and Al-Qaeda who wanted to talk should be encouraged to ensure peace in the region.
Referring to improvement in Pakistan-India relations after tension at the borders in 2001, Mushahid said war is not an option in the modern day.
Talking about internal situation of Pakistan, Senator Mushahid said PML-Q has accepted its defeat and ready to play constructive and positive role as opposition members.
He said Pakistan is the open society and it is the freest Muslim democracy where media is free and women have more than 22 percent representation in the National Assembly.
Mushahid said, “PML government removed discriminatory laws and empowered women at all levels and spent on education and health.”
He said after the peaceful, fair, free and transparent elections of February 18, now the ball is in the court of winners to make the government and go ahead.
The people, he said, now wanted to go forward and waiting for the measures being taken by the next government as people have spoken and given their verdict.
On the question of judiciary, Mushahid said all the parties are united on independence of judiciary, however he said the parliament is the best and appropriate forum to settle the question of restoration of judges.
Mushahid said Pakistan needs “Nelson Mandela” style reconciliation policy by all its leaders so that democratic set up could be strengthened with showing due respect for each other. He said he also opposed the detention of judges and imposition of emergency.
The EU side appreciated holding of elections in Pakistan and the transition to full-fledged democracy. It also appreciated Pakistan’s socio-economic development, the progress achieved in the fight against terrorism and extremism and Pakistan’s contribution toward regional peace and stability.
The visiting delegation underlined that the EU desired to further strengthen its commitment and support to Pakistan.
The other members of the delegation included French Ambassador to Pakistan Regis de Belenet, Ms. Barbara Zvokelj Minister Plenipotentiary Slovenia, Michel Filhol Additional Secretary Asia, French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Tomasz Kozlowksi Head of Asia Oceania Unit, Tim Eestermans, Karel Kovanda and Frederick Svedang.
The members of the delegation was presented gifts and reports of Senate Foreign Relations Committee on various issues.