Unfair Par election to impair Pak ties with EU

Islamabad, Dec 22: The visiting European Union (EU) delegation has made it clear to Pakistan that if the 2007 parliamentary elections are not held in a fair and transparent manner, the country stands a chance of impairing its relations with the EU.

''The general elections 2007 should be held in a transparent manner, with complete schedule being announced well in advance of six months, enabling the EU monitoring team to survey the pre-election and post-election procedures carefully,'' Pakistan's private online news agency quoted British Parliament member Nina Gill as saying in Lahore.

Ms Gill, who heads the seven-member EU parliamentary delegation said that Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf had assured them of ''keeping his promises''.

However, Ms Gill and other members of the delegation member declined to comment when asked why the EU had so far supported a president in uniform.

Commenting on General Musharraf's four-point formula on settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue, the delegation said that the formula was quite viable and had been responded to positively by India.

The formula envisages demilitarisation, self-governance and joint management in the disputed Himalayan region. India has already welcomed the formula, which General Musharraf spelt out at least twice since last August during his interactions with Indian media.

The delegation also expressed satisfaction over Pakistan's trade relations with the EU, and said that the third generation trade accords with Pakistan would be encouraged. It also stressed on Pakistan's major role and effort to oversee the logical conclusion of SAFTA, and urged the government to take steps to encourage mutual trade, tourism and investment.

UNI