Pakistan: EUHR Solana welcomes recent developments

"Today, President Pervez Musharraf has been sworn in for a new term as President of Pakistan after he honoured his commitment and stepped down as Chief of Staff of the Army yesterday. This is a step in the right direction that will help Pakistan to return to the path of democracy.

It is now important to hold parliamentary elections, as scheduled, in January. The early lifting of the state of emergency and restoration of the constitution will be crucial to ensure free and fair elections.

I would like to reconfirm my support for Pakistan, a country which is an important partner of the European Union in many fields, including in the fight against terrorism."

| Arriba |

• EU Council Conclusions on Pakistan (10/3/2008)
• Pakistan voters, election officials praised by European Parliament election observers (27/2/2008)
• Pakistan: EU Presidency Declaration on imposition of emergency rule (8/11/2007)
• Pakistan: EUHR Solana voices concern at state of emergency (4/11/2007)
• Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran: EU Commission allocates €18m in humanitarian aid (14/3/2007)
• EU-Pakistan: EU Commission proposes increase in assistance (31/1/2007)