May 8, 2002	Wednesday	Safar 24, 1423

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BRUSSELS, May 7: The EU Commissioner for External Relations, Chris Patten, is to visit Afghanistan and Pakistan from May 20-24, the EU announced here.

EU sources told Irna that Patten was also planning to include Iran in his visit but due to shortage of time he has put off his trip to Tehran. The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Patten was most likely to visit Iran later this year.

In Islamabad, Patten is to discuss regional and international issues with Pakistan leadership, especially the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan. Patten is also expected to raise the issue of restoration of democracy in Pakistan.—NNI