ISLAMABAD, June 22: The European Union delegates view any possible change in the political setup of the country as an internal matter of Pakistan and express hopes that democratic principles will be adhered to in any eventuality.

The views were expressed by the EU delegates after a meeting with PML chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and secretary-general Senator Mushahid Hussain here on Tuesday. Political and security situation in Pakistan was discussed during the meeting.

The diplomats and the two politicians remained tight-lipped in response to a question if the uniform issue of the president came under discussion. The EU delegates and diplomats from Belgium, United Kingdom, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Italy and the EU mission were present during the meeting.

Responding to a question if the speculations about possible change of government in Pakistan came under discussion, EU representative Emmanuel Mersch said it was an internal matter of Pakistan, and EU would support the democratic process in the country.

When asked if there was any specific purpose to meet the ruling party's leaders, he said the EU was open-minded and had earlier held discussions with the MQM and the MMA.

Responding to another question about the security situation in Pakistan, Mr Mersch said terrorism was an issue that should be confronted. He expressed hopes that Pakistan would continue to play a positive role in combating global threat.

The Dutch ambassador, Dr Marcel Kuperschoek, said the EU- Pakistan third-generation cooperation agreement mentioned that human rights and democratic principles would be strengthened. He said the EU was interested in following the developments in Pakistan in that context.

The ambassador also expressed hopes that the security situation could be improved in Pakistan to attract foreign investment. He said the EU was one of the main trading partners of Pakistan and had a stake in peace and stability.

He said the EU supported democratic process in Pakistan and would be closely monitoring the political situation in the context of cooperation agreement, especially with reference to human rights and adherence to democratic principles.

When asked what issues came under discussion during the meeting, Senator Mushahid Hussain mentioned law and order, and political situation. He said the EU supported the concept of enlightened moderation. He said the problem of jobless Jihadis had to be confronted as a top priority.