October 25, 2003	Saturday	Sha’aban 28, 1424

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BRUSSELS, Oct 24: The European Union’s external relations chief Chris Patten on Friday urged India and Pakistan to start a “genuine dialogue” to end years of confrontation.

Mr Patten said he sincerely welcomed India’s announcement of a series of confidence-building measures vis-a-vis Pakistan, adding that he expected the proposals to give a new impetus to Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s peace initiative made in April.

“I am particularly encouraged by the emphasis on the development of people-to-people links,” Mr Patten said.

“Direct contacts can go a long way to overcome misperceptions, misunderstandings and prejudices,” he added.

It was time the two countries took steps to improve the situation on the ground, cease violence and resume a genuine dialogue between all parties, Mr Patten underlined.

The comments by the EU external relations chief reflect the bloc’s renewed interest in South Asia ahead of separate upcoming visits to Brussels by both the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers.

The European Parliament is also sending a special delegation to Pakistan on Oct 26 for a first-hand look at democracy in the country.

The parliamentary visit is an important test for Pakistan’s hopes of upgrading links with the European Union by signing a new cooperation accord with the bloc.

The EU Parliament has put its ratification of the agreement on hold pending a new assessment of Pakistan’s democratic credentials — especially the relationship between the army and politicians — the country’s efforts to curb cross-border infiltration into Kashmir and its role in Afghanistan.

The parliamentary delegation will be meeting members of National Assembly, senior officials as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations.

Many EU governments as well as the European Commission are hoping to secure parliamentary support for the EU-Pakistan agreement which they say will help put relations between the two sides on a firm footing.

The agreement was signed in November 2001 but the parliament refused to endorse the pact because of worries about democracy in Pakistan.