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Nawaz Sharif seeks EU help in ending drone attacks
By Iftikhar A. Khan PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif addressing the PML-N Centreal Executive Committee meeting in Islamabad. –APP Photo ISLAMABAD: Leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N Nawaz Sharif has urged the European Union (EU) countries to use their influence with the US to bring an end to the drone attacks inside Pakistan’s territory. In a luncheon meeting with EU Ambassadors here, in the context of forthcoming first EU-Pakistan Summit meeting being held in Brussels on 17 June. He said the US drone attacks were causing massive civilian casualties and also violating Pakistan’s sovereignty. Sharif pointed out that extremism and militancy were consequences of the authoritarian rule, which denied people their fundamental and political rights, while no individual or organization could be permitted to challenge the writ of the state. He stressed that terrorism has to be countered through a comprehensive strategy that should include economic development, social and administrative reforms, a political policy, and military action where inevitable. He made a fervent appeal to the international community to extend its generous support and assistance to the millions who have been displaced from their homes on account of the ongoing military operation in swat. The former Prime Minster of Pakistan’s strong and mutually beneficial relations with the European Union, which was currently our largest strategic partner. He called upon the union to provide greater market access to Pakistan’s exports, as this would strengthen the country’s economy and generate employment’ which are vital for the revival of national economy. About relations with India, he pointed out that it was his government that had taken the initiative to launch the composite dialogue process and thereafter to invite the Indian Prime Minister for a comprehensive dialogue to resolve the differences between Pakistan and India. In this context, Nawaz Sharif stressed that peaceful relations between Pakistan and India are vital for stability in the region. He urged that EU states should promote a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Nawaz Sharif highlighted the need for strengthening the democratic institutions in the country to deal with the crises the country faces today. He said while restoration of judges had laid a foundation for an independent judiciary, the most important step in fulfillment of the agenda of the transition to full democracy is the restoration of the Parliament’s sovereignty through the repeal of the seventeenth amendment and the Charter of Democracy DAWN: Thursday, 04 Jun, 2009 |
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