Annex VII
EU DECLARATION ON INDIA AND PAKISTAN
The European Council discussed the tensions
between India and Pakistan. It welcomed the steps recently taken
by Pakistan to begin clamping down on cross-border terrorism and
the de-escalatory measures announced by India in response. The
European Council noted that the situation nevertheless remains
precarious and that the consequences of a war could be catastrophic
for the region and beyond.
The European Council therefore called on Pakistan
to take further concrete action in accordance with the assurances
it has already given and with its international obligations, including
UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001), to stop infiltration
across the Line of Control and to prevent terrorist groups from
operating from territory under its control, also through closing
of training camps. The European Council called on India and Pakistan
to establish an effective monitoring system, in a form acceptable
to both, so as to stop infiltration. The European Council underlined
the shared interest of all countries in fighting terrorism.
The European Council encourages India to be
ready to respond with further de-escalatory steps as Pakistan
shows that it is acting to fulfil its commitments. The European
Council noted the importance of free, fair and inclusive elections
this autumn in Jammu and Kashmir.
The European Council called on both parties
to adhere to the NPT and to sign and ratify the CTBT.
The European Council confirmed the EU's commitment
to work with India and Pakistan and with others in the international
community, seeking for possible confidence-building measures in
order to defuse the immediate crisis, and to continue to encourage
both countries to achieve a lasting settlement of the differences
between them through bilateral dialogue. The High Representative
ought to pay an early visit to the region.
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