Pakistan should condemn Russia over Ukraine crisis: EU

Islamabad, Dec 4: European Union (EU) envoy Lars-Gunnar Wigemark has urged Pakistan to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine, a media report said.

"The Pakistani government should condemn the violations by very aggressive Russia against Ukraine if it wants to make a real gesture towards the EU," Ambassador Wigemark told the national assembly's foreign affairs committee in Islamabad.

The committee, headed by Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, chairman of the foregin affairs committee, has invited the EU envoy for a presentation on the status of ties between Pakistan and the 28-member European bloc and how the relationship could be enhanced.

The statement comes amidst strengthening of the Pakistan-Russia ties after decades of tension and mistrust.

The two countries in November signed an agreement aimed at strengthening their military relations.

The government has, in view of the reset with Moscow, taken a cautious stance on the Ukrainian crisis and avoided condemning Russia outrightly.

Wigemark clarified that his remarks were not intended to ask Pakistan to take "drastic measures" in ties with Russia, but to underline the sensitivities and concerns in Europe about the country.

The EU has been an important trade and development partner for Pakistan over the years.

Both the bilateral and multilateral assistance from the EU and its member countries totals to 600 million euros (about $7 million) per year.

IANS