European Union to observe Pakistan’s elections

The Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that the European Union has approached the country to send observers for the coming parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on May 11.

“We have received the EU request and their request is under process,” the Foreign Ministry said.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman, Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary, said that no concern was raised by the Islamabad-based foreign diplomats at a special briefing about the elections this week.

He said at weekly press briefing the diplomats were mainly interested in election procedure and that they were given comprehensive briefing by representatives of Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Information and Broadcasting and the Election Commission.

He said they were conveyed that the government is committed to holding free, fair and transparent elections, adding that Pakistan will allow foreign observers to monitor the elections.

U.S drones: The spokesman while replying to a question about the U.S. drone strikes in the country’s tribal regions, said Pakistan has conveyed its serious concerns at the American spy aircraft attacks to the UN representative during his recent visit to Islamabad.

The UN representative, who had also met US drones victims and people from the tribal regions, will present its report to the General Assembly.

“It is a good progress that a discussion has been started in the world on different aspects of drone attacks.  We are also in touch with the United States for stoppage of drone attacks,” the spokesman said.

Chaudhry said Islamabad has a clear stand on U.S. drone attacks that these are counterproductive, illegal and violative of the country’s sovereignty.

Referring to killing of five Pakistanis in a town of South Africa, the spokesman said Pakistan’s Embassy has raised the issue with South African authorities that perpetrators of the crime should be brought to justice.

Officials said that five Pakistanis were killed in South Africa on Wednesday while resisting a robbery attempt.

The spokesman said police has made some progress and the South African authorities have apprehended one person.  He said most of the martyred persons belonged to Chakwal except one from Sheikhupura in Punjab province.  He said efforts are being made to transport their bodies to Pakistan.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=39257

Posted by Tahir Khan on Mar 21 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.