EU envoy bats for restoration of rights in Kashmir, Indo-Pak Dialogue

The Ambassador also clarified that the controversial visit of some Members of European Parliament (MEPs) to Kashmir in end October was not an official one though a ‘legitimate one’ undertaken in their individual capacities.

New Delhi:The new envoy of the European Union to India today advocated restoration of communication links and rights in Kashmir. In his first media interaction since assuming charge in New Delhi Ambassador Ugo Astuto underlined that the position of the European Union has not changed since the abrogation of Article 370 and reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory in August this year.

“We are concerned over the situation in Kashmir. It is important to restore freedom of movement and normalcy in Kashmir,” he said in response to a question adding while EU understands India’s
security concerns.

The Ambassador also clarified that the controversial visit of some Members of European Parliament (MEPs) to Kashmir in end October was not an official one though a ‘legitimate one’ undertaken in
their individual capacities. “The visit was not an expression of policy decisions by the EU or its parliament,” said Astuto.

Amid escalation of tension between India and Pakistan following the constitutional changes to Kashmir, the Ambassador also batted for bilateral dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad.

He remarked that ‘dialogue is always the ‘best way forward’ and in ‘interest of the region’.

“We (EU) have stressed on dialogue between India and Pakistan through diplomatic channels; means of communication should be restored in Kashmir. Our position has been consistent,” said Astuto.

He, however, added that Pakistan needs to crack down on terror on its soil. “Pakistan must take action against militants and terrorists operating from its soil,” he remarked.

Hours after the Citizenship Amendment Bill was debated till late night and passed in Lok Sabha, the EU envoy reminded that the ‘Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law’.

"I have read about discussions in parliament. The Indian constitution guarantees equality before the law...These are principles that we (EU and India) share. So I trust that outcome of the discussions
will be in line with the high standards that the constitution has laid down,” he said in reply to another question.

Asked about the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and EU stalled since 2013, the envoy hoped that while the talks continue at a technical level, the ‘dialogue on
investment treaties should be concluded beforehand’.

By Smita Sharma