News
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
European Union expects smooth transition of power
* Delegation congratulates PPP co-chairman
* Mushahid Hussain says PML-Q has accepted defeat in electionsBy Muhammad Bilal
ISLAMABAD: A European Union (EU) delegation said on Tuesday it expected a smooth transition of power to the elected political forces in Pakistan. Talking to Pakistan People’s Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari at Zardari House, the delegation, headed by state secretary in the office of the prime minister of Slovenia Matjaz Sinkovec, assured its full cooperation to the incoming democratic government. Congratulations: The delegates congratulated Zardari on his party’s success in the parliamentary elections. Zardari, appreciating the role of the EU poll observers during the elections, hoped the coalition would continue to play an active role in promoting democracy in Pakistan. Holding a series of meetings with the country’s top politicians, the EU delegation also met PML-N Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq, ANP chief Asfandyar Wali and the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mushahid Hussain. The EU delegation also called on ANP chief Asfandyar Wali at the Parliament Lodges and congratulated him on his party’s success in the polls. ANP Information Secretary Zahid Khan, who attended the meeting, said the two sides discussed the current political scenario, focusing on the worsening law and order in the NWFP, where the party is expected to make the government. “Wali told EU diplomats that his party would introduce reforms in the province to improve law and order and sought the support of the EU in this regard,” Khan added. During a meeting with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq, the delegation was briefed on PML-N’s stance against President Pervez Musharraf. The PML-N secured the second-highest number of seats in the National Assembly and has a leading position in the Punjab Assembly. Haq met the diplomats at his residence and said his party did not recognise Musharraf as a constitutional president. He also urged the EU to play its due role in strengthening democracy in Pakistan. The delegation also called upon PML-Q secretary general and the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mushahid Hussain Sayed at Parliament House and lauded his government’s role in holding free, fair, and transparent elections that have redeemed Pakistan’s image in the comity of nations. Sinkovec told Mushahid that the EU fully supported the democratic process in Pakistan and expected to see a smooth transfer of power as a result of the February 18 elections. He said the EU would closely interact with Pakistan’s future parliament. Accepted: Sayed said the PML-Q had accepted its defeat in the polls and was ready to play a constructive role as the opposition. He said the proverbial ‘ball’ was now in the poll winners’ court and they should make the government and move forward. On the issue of the sacked judiciary, he said the parties were united on judicial independence, but parliament was the best and most appropriate forum to settle the question of the restoration of the judges The foreign affairs committee chairman emphasised the need for America and the EU to revise their policies regarding the war on terror. He said all the neighbours of Afghanistan, including Iran, should be taken on board to have proper and constructive negotiations for peace and stability in the region.
Courtesy Daily Times