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Emma Nicholson satisfied with Kashmir Report

Pakistan Times
24 March 2007

LONDON (UK): Baroness Emma Nicholson has expressed complete satisfaction on the draft report she prepared for the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament which incorporated some 56 amendments at Brussels on wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference here on Friday on her return from Brussels,she said the draft report has now become a worthwhile document which would go for voting at the Plenary in eight weeks time.

She said there could be more amendments to it if the members of the FAC so desire.Ms.Nicholson said the report has highlighted the need for Pakistan and India to continue their dialogue on the peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue.

The Liberal Democract member of the European Parliament said the visit of President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to Brussels in the recent years and their discussions with members of European Parliament helped a lot in the preparation of this non-binding report.

She further said she has accepted invitation from Prime Minister Aziz to visit Pakistan and that during her visit she would also go to Gilgit and other parts of Baltistan.

She said European Parliament has good relations with Pakistan and would continue to help the country in the rehabilitation of 2005 quake victims of Kashmir.

The Baroness was of the view that early implementation of Third Generation Agreementby Pakistan would go a long way in further strengthening the relations with EU.

She said the report has also suggested dismantling of permanent refugees camps on both sides of Line of Control and the inhabitants be settled in proper dwelling with full amenties.

The report,she added,has welcomed the Confidence Building Measures (CBM) between Pakistan and India and felt this process must continue to move forward in a positive manner.