Take 'clear and sustained' actions against terrorists: EU asks Pakistan
The EU has asked Pakistan to take "clear and sustained" actions targeting not only all UN-listed transnational terrorist groups but also individuals claiming responsibility for attacks in the wake of the Pulwama terror strike. The statement came amid heightened tension between the two nuclear-armed arch-rivals after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers in Pulwama, J&K.
EU urged Pakistan, India to urgently 'de-escalate' the tension
Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the EU Commission, urged Pakistan and India to urgently "de-escalate" the tension which has built up after the attack. She spoke to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi yesterday and discussed the current situation, a delegation of the European Union (EU) said in a statement in Islamabad.
EU's policy has been to promote dialogue between India-Pakistan: Mogherini
The EU is also in contact with India, said the statement. Mogherini also highlighted the need to "continue addressing terrorism including clear and sustained actions targeting not only all United Nations-listed transnational terrorist groups but also individuals claiming responsibility for such attacks", it further said. She said the EU's policy has always been to promote a dialogue between Pakistan-India to sort out differences.
Pulwama aftermath: India launched major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad
After the attack, which was claimed by the UN-proscribed JeM, India launched a major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad and highlighted Pakistan's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy. India asked Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control. It also announced the withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation status for Pakistan.
India had accorded the MFN status to Pakistan in 1996
Just a day after the Pulwama attack, New Delhi announced the withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status for Pakistan and hiked the customs duty by 200% on goods originating from Pakistan. India accorded the MFN status to Pakistan in 1996.
