BRUSSELS, Sept 13: European Parliament President Josep Borrell Fontelles has lauded Pakistan’s efforts to improve ties with India and its front-line role in the anti-terror campaign, acknowledging the strategy the country has adopted to deal with extremism and curb militant activities in the tribal region.
Talking to reporters with President Pervez Musharraf after their meeting here on Wednesday, Mr Fontelles also appreciated Pakistan’s achievements in economic and other areas.
“We convened this meeting with the president because of the great interest the members of the parliament have in Pakistan,” he said.
President Musharraf expressed satisfaction over the talks that covered the issues of terrorism, nuclear non-proliferation, democracy, human rights and other regional issues.
Replying to a question, the European leader said President Musharraf explained the strong engagement of the Pakistan army in the fight against terrorism and strategy to deal with extremism.
Gen Musharraf explained that not all Pukhtuns living on both sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan were Taliban. “I think that this explanation is very important for all political groups,” he said.
He said he explained the elements of terrorism and extremism and how different strategies were required to deal with both of them.
He said the strategy he shared with the European leaders for dealing with extremism was very well received.
The EU president appreciated Pakistan for initiating confidence-building measures for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute and expressed the hope that new ways and means would be found in Gen Musharraf’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Cuba to resolve the situation.
President Musharraf expressed satisfaction over the developing ties between Pakistan and the EU and said he hoped that the political and economic relations would be enhanced.
He said he had projected during the meeting Pakistan’s contribution against terrorism and extremism and the country’s achievements in the economic development and establishing sustainable democracy.
He also informed the EU leader about freedom of press and expression in Pakistan.-—APP