EU supports India-Pak dialogue; Trade,Investment Agreement in offing

New Delhi, Feb 19 (UNI) European Union Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero- Waldner today said a new agreement on trade and investment with India was under negotiation and clarified that the EU has laid no pre-conditions for co-operating with the country in the field of civil nuclear energy.

The EU High official also supported the ongoing peace process between India and Pakistan and said this was critical not only for the two countries involved, but also for the EU and the world at large.

"I was misquoted in news reports. All that I said was that we are awaiting the putcome of India's discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and and the Nuclear Suppliers Group. We will firm up our opinion on co-operation in nuclear energy after seeing the outcome of these negotations," Ms Waldner said addressing a press conference here at the conclusion of a five-day visit to the country.

Reports quoted Ms Waldner as having said that the EU would prefer India agreeing to the safeguards laid down by the IAEA and signing the Non- Proliferation Treaty and Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty(CTBT).

Despite repeated questions from journalists, Ms Waldner did not make any refrence to either the safeguards mechanisms of the IAEA nor the NPT or CTBT.

Ms Waldner expressed her inability to give many details about the Agreement being negotiated between the two entities relating to free trade and investments, but added that it would encompass issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).

The EU Commissioner said after the proposals are finalised they would be sent to the EU Council of Ministers and then put up before India for comments and approval.

During her visit, Ms Waldner had a series of meetings with senior government leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister P Chidambaram, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath.

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