WRITTEN QUESTION E-2898/01

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(22 October 2001)

Subject: Economic cooperation with Pakistan

The Afghan population is anxiously waiting to see what is to happen in their country, because of what the Taliban regime and bin Laden's terrorists have done. At the same time their hopes have been aroused because the world is beginning to understand their plight. An agreement on the establishment of a government of national unity in Afghanistan was recently initialled in Rome. At present Pakistan still recognises the government of the Taliban and this situation continues despite the Pakistani Government's claims that it wants to cooperate in the fight against international terrorism.

In view of the grave international situation created by the assistance, including military aid, which Pakistan has given the Taliban, can the Commission say what stage has been reached in the negotiations for economic cooperation with Pakistan?

1. Has it made any existing or future European aid subject to an undertaking by the Pakistani government to combat terrorism and the Taliban regime?

2. What instruments has it devised to verify this undertaking?

3. Is it true that Pakistan still has military relations with representatives of the Taliban regime in the Kashmir region?

4. If so, what steps will the Commission take vis-à-vis the Pakistani Government with a view to effectively combating terrorism?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(6 December 2001)

As the Honourable Member will be aware, the Extraordinary European Council Meeting of 21 September 2001 decided that the fight against terrorism will, more than ever, be a priority objective of the Union. Furthermore the Council concluded that the fight against the scourge of terrorism will be more effective if it is based on an in-depth political dialogue with those countries and regions of the world in which terrorism originates.

Consequently the Council has decided to intensify the Union's relations with countries neighbouring Afghanistan in order to contribute to the stability of the region. It is envisaged to step up the political dialogue with Pakistan. The Commission was asked to examine ways to reinforce Community's assistance to Pakistan, and has proposed new measures in the trade, development and humanitarian fields.

Following Pakistan's decision to side with the international coalition against terrorism, Pakistan has cut its military relations with the Taliban. However, diplomatic relations continue, and the Taliban still maintain an Embassy in Islamabad. There are radical Islamic groups based in Pakistan, some of whom sympathise with the Taliban. The government of President Musharraf has embarked on a programme to strengthen the law and order situation through an anti-terrorist ordinance and deweaponisation measures.

In order to effectively combat terrorism, the Commission has already taken several concrete measures, including the proposal for a Council Regulation(1) to freeze funds held by 27 organisations and individuals suspected of supporting or financing terrorist activities and the preparation of a Commission Regulation to freeze funds held by individuals identified by the United Nations (UN) sanctions committee in the framework of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1267. However, a medium-term counter terrorism agenda will have to address causes of extremism and radicalisation, which in the case of Pakistan include the economic crisis, the failure to maintain quality social services and growing poverty. The Commission aims to address these problems through its support strategy for Pakistan, including the use of trade measures and external assistance programmes.

(1) COM(2001) 569 final.