January 13, 2002	Sunday	Shawwal 28, 1422

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BRUSSELS, Jan 12: The European Union’s security chief Javier Solana on Saturday commended President Musharraf’s clampdown on local extremist groups and said he welcomed the Pakistani leader’s commitment to a peaceful solution for Kashmir.

In a statement, Solana said the following: “I welcome the decisions announced today by President Musharraf in his address to the Pakistani people. I want to commend him for the moves he announced to curb extremism, including steps against those seeking to disrupt the internal stability of the country and those promoting terrorism abroad.”

Solana said he particularly welcomed the President’s “renewed rejection of all forms of terrorism and his decision to outlaw two further militant groups.”

“I am pleased by President Musharraf’s commitment to a peaceful solution of Pakistan’s dispute with India over Kashmir and I urge both India and Pakistan to promptly renew their dialogue,” Solana said.

The EU has moved quickly to reopen ties with Pakistan following Islamabad’s decision in September to join the US-led anti-terror alliance.