M A I N   N E W S

EU astonished at successful J&K poll
Smita Prakash

Copenhagen, October 9
The European Union observer in Jammu and Kashmir was astonished to see the high level of participation in the recently concluded elections.

Briefing newsmen aboard the Prime Minister’s aircraft from Nicosia to Copenhagen, the Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal said: “India now goes with a stronger position to the EU summit because of the success in the Jammu and Kashmir elections.

Reflecting upon the EU’s position with regard to terrorism along the Line of Control, the Foreign Secretary said the EU had not shied away from blaming Pakistan for cross-border terrorism and had been supportive of India’s initiatives on comprehensive anti-terrorism plans. Mr Sibal said there was a joint working group with the EU which provided a platform to deal with all issues of terrorism concerning India, including drug trafficking.

When asked about India’s economic agenda at the Copenhagn summit, the Foreign Secretary said there would be three main issues India will discuss with the EU:

* Pledge to keep alive the dialogue with the EU

* Intensified economic activity

* Business and trade

Talking about India’s trade potential with the EU nations, the Foreign Secretary said some concessions were made by Pakistan in the past, especially in the apparel and textile sector, which put India at a disadvantage.

This, the Foreign Secretary said, was an issue which India would try to reverse.

In response to a question regarding the summit, Mr Sibal said the EU recognised India as a growing economy and a political giant and would support India’s bid to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council. ANI