BRUSSELS: NATO is strengthening its military footprint along its eastern border immediately in response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the alliance’s chief said Wednesday.
Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said NATO’s air policing aircraft will fly more sorties over the Baltic region and allied ships will deploy to the Baltic Sea, the eastern Mediterranean and elsewhere if needed.
“We will have more planes in the air, mores ships on the water and more readiness on the land,” Fogh Rasmussen told reporters in Brussels, declining to give exact troop figures.
Moscow must make clear “it doesn’t support the violent actions of well-armed militias or pro-Russian separatists” in eastern Ukraine, he added.
NATO’s eastern members — including Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Poland — have been wary following Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, demanding a more robust military deterrence to counter neighboring Russia.
He said the NATO deployments are about “deterrence and de-escalation” in the face of Russia’s aggressive behavior.
The NATO chief did not mention naval deployments to the Black Sea — which Russia would likely see as a direct aggression even though NATO members Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey also border the sea. He insisted, however, that “more will follow if needed.”
NATO estimates Russia has amassed some 40,000 troops on Ukraine’s eastern border and could invade parts of the country within days if it wished. Fogh Rasmussen urged Russia to pull those troops back.
The 28-nation alliance has already suspended most cooperation and talks with Russia. The United States has dispatched fighter planes to Poland and the Baltics, enabling NATO to reinforce air patrols on its eastern border. NATO also performs daily AWACs surveillance flights over Poland and Romania.
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
Tensions escalate with Ukrainian troop defections
DONETSK, Ukraine :Tensions escalated in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, with pro-Russian gunmen storming City Hall in the sprawling city of Donetsk and a cluster of Ukrainian troops meant to be restoring order in the region apparently defecting to the side of separatists.
The events suggested the challenge ahead for the pro-Western Ukrainian government on the second day of a campaign to quell the restive east, and came as Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Ukraine was on the verge “of a civil war.”
A line of combat vehicles flying Russian flags rolled Wednesday morning into Slovyansk, a city of 120,000 where separatists have set up roadblocks since Saturday. One soldier named Andrei, speaking to the Associated Press, identified the men as part of the 25th Brigade of Ukraine’s airborne forces that had switched to the side of pro-Russian forces. The troops in green camouflage and packing automatic weapons and grenade launchers received a warm welcome from local separatists, AP said. The report could not be immediately verified.
Around 10 a.m. local time, a squad of separatists backed by seven masked gunmen in camouflage stormed the seat of Donetsk’s mayor and local council.
By Wednesday afternoon, more than 40 men, some masked and heavily armed, were occupying the building but still allowing workers and local officials to go about their business inside City Hall.
The scene was calmer than earlier in the morning, when suited bureaucrats were running back and forth to vehicles in an attempt to save files and computers. City workers were shuffling to and from meetings under the watchful gaze of camouflage-clad militants who loitered in the corridors, many clutching automatic weapons. Offering glaring evidence of the Kiev government’s tenuous grip on the region, a few local police officers casually strolled outside without attempting to intervene.
The pro-Russian militants who took over City Hall said they were separate from a similar group that occupied the regional headquarters in this city of nearly 1 million 10 days ago, but they issued at least one similar demand. They called for a referendum on May 11 with two questions: whether the populace agreed with the creation of a new “Donetsk People’s Republic” and, if so, whether it should be part of Ukraine or Russia.
“Why should we consider Russia a hostile state?” asked Alexander Zakharchenko, a spokesman for the militants. “They are the closest people to us in the world.” He belongs to a group called Oplot, a pro-Russian movement that started as a fight club of young men in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, to the north.
The events suggested the challenge ahead for the pro-Western Ukrainian government on the second day of a campaign to quell the restive east, and came as Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Ukraine was on the verge “of a civil war.”
A line of combat vehicles flying Russian flags rolled Wednesday morning into Slovyansk, a city of 120,000 where separatists have set up roadblocks since Saturday. One soldier named Andrei, speaking to the Associated Press, identified the men as part of the 25th Brigade of Ukraine’s airborne forces that had switched to the side of pro-Russian forces. The troops in green camouflage and packing automatic weapons and grenade launchers received a warm welcome from local separatists, AP said. The report could not be immediately verified.
Around 10 a.m. local time, a squad of separatists backed by seven masked gunmen in camouflage stormed the seat of Donetsk’s mayor and local council.
By Wednesday afternoon, more than 40 men, some masked and heavily armed, were occupying the building but still allowing workers and local officials to go about their business inside City Hall.
The scene was calmer than earlier in the morning, when suited bureaucrats were running back and forth to vehicles in an attempt to save files and computers. City workers were shuffling to and from meetings under the watchful gaze of camouflage-clad militants who loitered in the corridors, many clutching automatic weapons. Offering glaring evidence of the Kiev government’s tenuous grip on the region, a few local police officers casually strolled outside without attempting to intervene.
The pro-Russian militants who took over City Hall said they were separate from a similar group that occupied the regional headquarters in this city of nearly 1 million 10 days ago, but they issued at least one similar demand. They called for a referendum on May 11 with two questions: whether the populace agreed with the creation of a new “Donetsk People’s Republic” and, if so, whether it should be part of Ukraine or Russia.
“Why should we consider Russia a hostile state?” asked Alexander Zakharchenko, a spokesman for the militants. “They are the closest people to us in the world.” He belongs to a group called Oplot, a pro-Russian movement that started as a fight club of young men in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, to the north.
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
New Pakistani envoy Syed Hasan Javed arrives in Germany
BERLIN (PR):Senior Pakistani diplomat ,Syed Hasan Javed, set to take over as his country's new Ambassador in Germany arrived here today.Syed Hasan Javed,who has held various assignments in Pakistani missions and at the Foreign Office in Islamabad, was received at the airport by Dr. Mazhar Javed, Deputy Chief of Protocol, representative of German's external affairs ministry and other officials of the Pakistan Embassy.
On arrival, Mr.Javed said that he would make endeavor to further strengthen and expand already existing cordial relations between Pakistan and Germany in all fields with special focus on trade & investment, culture, and education sectors. He is likely to present his credentials to the President of the Federal Republic of Germany on April 25, 2014.
He served in Pakistan Missions abroad in various capacities during his diplomatic career spanning over 30 years.. He held diplomatic assignments in Pakistan Missions abroad including Beijing (twice), Harare, Dushanbe,Brussels and High Commissioner for Pakistan to Mauritius with concurrent accreditation to Madagascar,Comoros and Seychelles. He was serving as Additional Secretary(Asia-Pacific) at the Ministry of Foreign affairs before moving to Singapore as High Commissioner for Pakistan.
On arrival, Mr.Javed said that he would make endeavor to further strengthen and expand already existing cordial relations between Pakistan and Germany in all fields with special focus on trade & investment, culture, and education sectors. He is likely to present his credentials to the President of the Federal Republic of Germany on April 25, 2014.
He served in Pakistan Missions abroad in various capacities during his diplomatic career spanning over 30 years.. He held diplomatic assignments in Pakistan Missions abroad including Beijing (twice), Harare, Dushanbe,Brussels and High Commissioner for Pakistan to Mauritius with concurrent accreditation to Madagascar,Comoros and Seychelles. He was serving as Additional Secretary(Asia-Pacific) at the Ministry of Foreign affairs before moving to Singapore as High Commissioner for Pakistan.
Delegation of Air War College, Karachi visited Pak Embassy Berlin
BERLIN:A 19-member delegation of Air War College, Karachi led by Air Vice Martial Mr.Farooq Habib visited the Embassy today. On arrival they were received by the Charge d' affairs, Dr. Mazhar Javed and other officials of the Embassy. They were updated about the status of Pakistan Germany relations.
Thursday, 10 April 2014
35th death anniversary of Z.A.Bhutto observed by PYO UK
LONDON:The PYO UK paid rich tribute to the Late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in recognition of his life-long struggle for the stability, integrity and democracy in Pakistan and for ‘Kashmir cause’.
Speaking on the occasion ,PakistanPeoples Party’s senior leader,Pir Mazhar ul Haq recalled the struggles and sacrifices of the party’s leaders and talked of how they laid down their lives for their cause. He also pointed out that the party is still being targeted. “Even our present leaders, Bilawal and Zardari, are receiving life threats,” he said.
Bhutto visualised the institution of democracy and wanted the adoption of a political system that helped the masses. “The Quaid-e-Awam was the only leader who encouraged the poor and the downtrodden to raise their voice for their rights,” he added.
“He was great political leader and thinker who was murdered for his support for democracy,” said, Pir Mazhar ul Haq. He said that Bhutto gave common man the right to speak against the feudal system.
Pakistani Film Superstar and Leader of PPP, Mustafa Qureshi, elucidated Bhutto’s vision of a united Muslim world. He was a top notch politician and an intellectual. Mr. Bhutto rendered many sacrifices time and again to ensure Pakistan became democratically strong, said Mr.Qureshi adding it is because of this that the anti-democratic forces in Pakistan engineered his murder. But his voice lives in our hearts and will keep guiding us through and through.
He said, “I urge the youth of Pakistan to come forward and strengthen the People’s Political Party (PPP) and bring about a visible change. I am confident they can. They will.” “On this occasion I urge the party workers to rededicate themselves to the ideals of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.” Qaid –e-Awam was a friend of the poor and oppressed and a great and fearless thinker, he refused to bow before superpowers. “In a span of thirty years both Benazir Bhutto and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto laid down their lives fighting for the cause.
Deputy General Secretary PPP UK, Abrar Mir,on the occasion elucidated Bhutto’s 
Chairman PYO Britain Malik Meharban said youth is united and ready to play its role at any level. The PYO Britain is reposing its confidence on leadership of Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto and PPP and it is firm to stand always on back of the leadership. “We will carry forward the mission of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto”. He said that the federation of Pakistan owed a lot to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who gave unanimous constitution of 1973 to the Pakistan nation, adding, that federation of Pakistan was intact today only because of the Constitution.He further said that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was the founding father of Pakistan’s Nuclear Programme who made the defence of the country impregnable by making it 7th atomic power of the world.
Ashraf Chugtaie, Aslam chugtaie, Farrukh Sultan Abbasi General Secretary PSF Islamabad, Councilor Munawar Hussain, Chaudhry Tanveer Chief Organizer PYO Mirpur, Dr Khalid Saeed acting president Greater London, Masood Bokhari, Asghar Khan, Ijaz Hussain Shah Chief Organizer PPP Luton, Raja Azam Khan President PPP Luton, Chaudhry Shafqaat President PPP Slough, Chaudhry Nisar, Naheed Hayat General Secretary PPP Women wing, Mian Muhammad Saleem President PPP South Zone, Shamim Bhutto Coordinator Women Wing, Khadim Hussain Nasir and Akram Chechi also addressed in the function.
A resolution was presented by PYO Coordinator, to condemn the threats to Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto and assured Bilawal that every party worker would sacrifice their lives to protact the Chairman.
The speakers also appreciated the PYO UK team and prasied the Suhail Iqbal and Murtaza Gujjar efforts to organise the programme. The function was attended by a large number of PYO and PPP worker.
(pictures by Miss.S.Rana)
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
A conference "Kashmir Through Women's Eyes" held at EU Parliament
Brussels: A conference titled as "Kashmir Through Women's Eyes" was organised by International Council for Human Development (ICHD) and Kashmir Council EU on Tuesday at European Parliament.
The conference was hosted by member of European Parliament Dr.Sajjad Haider Karim.
A number of the prominent personalities including Farzana Yaqoob, the minister of Social Welfare of AJK, Khaula Siddiqi, co-founder of SILK from Canada, Member of Brussels Parliament Daniel Caron, Sadia Mir, a lecturer at a University in UK, Saddiqe Kayani from Germany and Shamaila Mehmood from Pakistan, HR activist from Holland Marjan Locas, MEPs and a large number of women from Kashmir and Europe participated in the event.
Addressing the conference as main guest, the AJK Minister Farzana Yaqoob said, people in Indian Held Kashmir are being deprived of basic rights. Their rights have been violated by the state machinery. The government in the Held Kashmir is involved in the statement terrorism through black laws. Unfortunately, big powers of the world take action only when they have interests. By oppressing the people, India avoided the rights of self-determination of Kashmiris but nobody is ready to prevent it. International community should come forward and help the Kashmiris in order to provide them right of self-determination.
Sajjad Karim as host of the conference said, we have talked about the rights of the Kashmiri people and would continue to raise our voices in support of Kashmir cause.
Khaula Saddiqi from Canada informed the participants of the conference about her personal story and said, she was just four years old when her parents brought out her from the Held Kashmir.
She said, she is still in contact with her friends and relatives as they are suffering from hardships and severe miseries.
Life of the people of Kashmir has been difficult specially Kashmiri women are suffering more than others.
Shamaila Mehmmod also described her story and said International community should provide justice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She also highlighted the issue of water in the region.
Member of Brussels Parliament Daniel Caron said, we always support the human rights and Europe should not ignore the issue of human rights in Kashmir. Member EU parliament Philip Bennion also talked during the conference.
Speakers of the conference emphasized that international community particularly human rights organizations should come forward to prevent human rights violation against the oppressed Kashmiri people especially innocent women of Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, ICHD Chairman Ali Raza Syed said, Kashmir is one of the longest outstanding conflicts that remain to this day. The conference was designed to highlight the plight of the Kashmiri women as the major victim of the conflict facing myriad problems including torture, rape, humiliation, murders, displacements and repressions.
He said, many leading voices struggling for the rights and freedoms of the women in general and Kashmiri women in particular attended the conference. We are proud to tell that most of the individuals, forums and organizations constituting women rights activists and lobbyists have acknowledged our initiative by participating in the event.
The ICHD is a representative forum of volunteer activists working for the human rights in Kashmir including right to self determination. We believe in peaceful promotion of the rights and freedoms of the people of Kashmir who are forced the live under the tyranny of the state repression, Ali Raza Syed said.
We believe that the conference would contribute towards the richness of the debate and strength of the demands by the women of Kashmir, he said. Questions and answers session was also held at the conclusion of the conference.
Monday, 7 April 2014
3 UAE women attacked with hammer at London hotel
LONDON:Three female tourists were hit in the face and head with a hammer in a brutal attack at one of London’s biggest and busiest hotels just yards from busy Oxford Street.One of the women is in a critical but stable condition after the assault in a room at the Four Star Cumberland Hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The women, understood to be sisters from the United Arab Emirates, were staying at the hotel with children as young as seven-years-old in adjoining rooms when they were attacked.
The women, understood to be sisters from the United Arab Emirates, were staying at the hotel with children as young as seven-years-old in adjoining rooms when they were attacked.
Friday, 4 April 2014
Ensure open access for internet service suppliers and ban roaming fees: EU Parl.
Brussels: Internet access providers would be barred from blocking or slowing down selected services for economic or other reasons by the latest draft EU “telecoms package” legislation voted by Parliament on Thursday. MEPs also voted to ban "roaming” charges for using a mobile phone in another EU country, as of from 15 December 2015.
"Today's vote is a great step towards strengthening the telecommunications single market. Parliament wants to abolish retail roaming charges for voice, SMS and data by 15 December 2015 and improve radio spectrum management to develop 4G and 5G throughout Europe", said rapporteur Pilar del Castillo Vera (EPP, ES).
“We have achieved further guarantees to maintain the openness of the Internet by ensuring that users can run and provide applications and services of their choice as well as reinforcing the Internet as a key driver of competitiveness, economic growth, jobs, social development and innovation”, she added. Ms del Castillo's report was approved by 534 votes to 25, with 58 abstentions.
MEPs want clear rules to prevent internet access providers from promoting some services at the expense of others. EU telecoms regulator BEREC reported that several internet access providers were blocking or slowing down services like “Skype”, which is used to make phone calls over the internet.
Internet access providers would still be able to offer specialized services of higher quality, such as video on demand and business-critical data-intensive “cloud” (data storage) applications, so long as these services are not supplied to "the detriment of the availability or quality of internet access services" offered to other companies or service suppliers.
MEPs shortened the European Commission's list of “exceptional” cases in which internet access providers could still be entitled to block or slow down the internet. MEPs say these practices should be permitted only to enforce a court order, preserve network security or prevent temporary network congestion. If such "traffic management measures" are used, they must be "transparent, non-discriminatory and proportionate" and "not be maintained longer than necessary", they add.
MEPs underline that internet access should be provided in accordance with the principle of "net neutrality", which means that all internet traffic is treated equally, without discrimination, restriction or interference, independently of its sender, recipient, type, content, device, service or application.
MEPs also amended the text to ban “roaming” charges (extra fees for using a mobile phone to call, send text messages or access the internet in another EU country) anywhere in the EU as of 15 December 2015. If roaming services are abused, however, capped charges could exceptionally be imposed, MEPs say.
The European Parliament voted on its first reading of the draft legislation, in order to consolidate the work done so far and hand it over to the next Parliament. This ensures that the MEPs newly elected in May can build on work done during the current term.
"Today's vote is a great step towards strengthening the telecommunications single market. Parliament wants to abolish retail roaming charges for voice, SMS and data by 15 December 2015 and improve radio spectrum management to develop 4G and 5G throughout Europe", said rapporteur Pilar del Castillo Vera (EPP, ES).
“We have achieved further guarantees to maintain the openness of the Internet by ensuring that users can run and provide applications and services of their choice as well as reinforcing the Internet as a key driver of competitiveness, economic growth, jobs, social development and innovation”, she added. Ms del Castillo's report was approved by 534 votes to 25, with 58 abstentions.
MEPs want clear rules to prevent internet access providers from promoting some services at the expense of others. EU telecoms regulator BEREC reported that several internet access providers were blocking or slowing down services like “Skype”, which is used to make phone calls over the internet.
Internet access providers would still be able to offer specialized services of higher quality, such as video on demand and business-critical data-intensive “cloud” (data storage) applications, so long as these services are not supplied to "the detriment of the availability or quality of internet access services" offered to other companies or service suppliers.
MEPs shortened the European Commission's list of “exceptional” cases in which internet access providers could still be entitled to block or slow down the internet. MEPs say these practices should be permitted only to enforce a court order, preserve network security or prevent temporary network congestion. If such "traffic management measures" are used, they must be "transparent, non-discriminatory and proportionate" and "not be maintained longer than necessary", they add.
MEPs underline that internet access should be provided in accordance with the principle of "net neutrality", which means that all internet traffic is treated equally, without discrimination, restriction or interference, independently of its sender, recipient, type, content, device, service or application.
MEPs also amended the text to ban “roaming” charges (extra fees for using a mobile phone to call, send text messages or access the internet in another EU country) anywhere in the EU as of 15 December 2015. If roaming services are abused, however, capped charges could exceptionally be imposed, MEPs say.
The European Parliament voted on its first reading of the draft legislation, in order to consolidate the work done so far and hand it over to the next Parliament. This ensures that the MEPs newly elected in May can build on work done during the current term.
MEPs cut customs duties on imports from Ukraine
Brussels: About 98% of the customs duties that Ukrainian iron, steel, farm produce and machinery exporters pay at EU borders will be removed by a proposal backed by European Parliament on Thursday. This unilateral measure will boost Ukraine’s struggling economy by saving its manufacturers and exporters €487 million a year.
"The European Parliament has supported an EU path for Ukraine for many years. This is our first chance to demonstrate our support in practical terms, to help Ukraine during its current economic crisis in the face of dwindling currency reserves and increased pressure from the Kremlin", said rapporteur Pawel Zalewski (EPP, PL).
"As Putin closes Russian markets for Ukrainian exports, we are opening them" he added. The European Parliament backed his proposal by 531 votes to 88, with 20 abstentions.
This unilateral trade measure, set to apply from May 2014, will remove 94.7% of EU tariffs currently charged on industrial goods imports from Ukraine and reduce them for the remaining handful of industrial goods.
It will also remove EU tariffs on over 80% of Ukraine’s farm produce exports.
However, the EU will restrict the amounts of “sensitive” products, such as cereals, pork, beef, poultry, and processed food, that may be imported tariff free, so as not to harm the interests of EU producers of these products.
This EU trade “preference” measure does not require Ukraine to reciprocate by removing its own customs duties on imports from the EU, but will require it not to raise them.
EU imports from Ukraine will nonetheless have to comply with EU rules on origin labeling and the Ukrainian authorities will have to ensure that third country goods disguised as Ukrainian ones do not enter the EU via Ukraine.
The measure also entitles the EU to reimpose tariffs if imports from Ukraine flood the EU market in volumes that cause, or threaten to cause, serious difficulties to EU producers of the same goods.
It would apply from the date when it is finally approved until 1 November 2014, or until the EU-Ukraine association agreement, including a deep and comprehensive trade deal which foresees bilateral liberalization of trade, enters into force.
The measure still requires the formal approval of the EU Council of Ministers. The EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has already announced that the preferences “will start to be applied within a few weeks
"The European Parliament has supported an EU path for Ukraine for many years. This is our first chance to demonstrate our support in practical terms, to help Ukraine during its current economic crisis in the face of dwindling currency reserves and increased pressure from the Kremlin", said rapporteur Pawel Zalewski (EPP, PL).
"As Putin closes Russian markets for Ukrainian exports, we are opening them" he added. The European Parliament backed his proposal by 531 votes to 88, with 20 abstentions.
This unilateral trade measure, set to apply from May 2014, will remove 94.7% of EU tariffs currently charged on industrial goods imports from Ukraine and reduce them for the remaining handful of industrial goods.
It will also remove EU tariffs on over 80% of Ukraine’s farm produce exports.
However, the EU will restrict the amounts of “sensitive” products, such as cereals, pork, beef, poultry, and processed food, that may be imported tariff free, so as not to harm the interests of EU producers of these products.
This EU trade “preference” measure does not require Ukraine to reciprocate by removing its own customs duties on imports from the EU, but will require it not to raise them.
EU imports from Ukraine will nonetheless have to comply with EU rules on origin labeling and the Ukrainian authorities will have to ensure that third country goods disguised as Ukrainian ones do not enter the EU via Ukraine.
The measure also entitles the EU to reimpose tariffs if imports from Ukraine flood the EU market in volumes that cause, or threaten to cause, serious difficulties to EU producers of the same goods.
It would apply from the date when it is finally approved until 1 November 2014, or until the EU-Ukraine association agreement, including a deep and comprehensive trade deal which foresees bilateral liberalization of trade, enters into force.
The measure still requires the formal approval of the EU Council of Ministers. The EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has already announced that the preferences “will start to be applied within a few weeks
EU strategy beyond the nuclear file
Brussels: The EU should exploit the current window of opportunity of nuclear talks and internal developments in Iran, which favour both domestic reform and better EU-Iran relations, says Parliament in a resolution passed on Thursday. It also calls on the EU to be more active in addressing the human rights situation and in supporting civil society in Iran. MEPs say that once a comprehensive agreement is reached that guarantees that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful, the EU should gradually drop its nuclear-related sanctions.
If substantial progress is made in talks on the nuclear file, the Council should start devising a concept for bilateral EU-Iran relations, including a possible formal EU-Iran agreement, says the resolution. The EU and Iran could focus cooperation on areas including the development of civil society and the private sector in Iran, the fight against narcotics and the environment, education and health.
Parliament also calls for the first steps to be taken towards opening an EU delegation in Tehran by the end of this year. This would be an efficient means of influencing Iranian policies and the dialogue on human and minority rights, it believes. MEPs add that EU policy towards Iran should be more independent.
MEPs have major concerns about the persistent systematic violation of fundamental rights, the high number of executions and the restrictions on freedom in Iran. The country should release all jailed human rights defenders, political prisoners, trade unionists and those detained after the 2009 presidential elections, the resolution says. Iran’s Charter of Citizens' Rights must also comply with its international obligations, namely when it comes to non-discrimination, banning torture and ensuring individual and collective freedoms.
The EU should engage in an inclusive high-level human rights dialogue with Iran that would include the judiciary and security forces and the EU institutions must do more to empower and develop civil society within Iran, MEPs say.
The resolution stresses that Iran should be involved in all discussions seeking a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Syria and in the region, provided it shows commitment to achieving this. It should use its influence in Syria to stop the bloodshed and cooperate with the EU and the US in Afghanistan, namely on drug trafficking and protection of refugees, MEPs add.
If substantial progress is made in talks on the nuclear file, the Council should start devising a concept for bilateral EU-Iran relations, including a possible formal EU-Iran agreement, says the resolution. The EU and Iran could focus cooperation on areas including the development of civil society and the private sector in Iran, the fight against narcotics and the environment, education and health.
Parliament also calls for the first steps to be taken towards opening an EU delegation in Tehran by the end of this year. This would be an efficient means of influencing Iranian policies and the dialogue on human and minority rights, it believes. MEPs add that EU policy towards Iran should be more independent.
MEPs have major concerns about the persistent systematic violation of fundamental rights, the high number of executions and the restrictions on freedom in Iran. The country should release all jailed human rights defenders, political prisoners, trade unionists and those detained after the 2009 presidential elections, the resolution says. Iran’s Charter of Citizens' Rights must also comply with its international obligations, namely when it comes to non-discrimination, banning torture and ensuring individual and collective freedoms.
The EU should engage in an inclusive high-level human rights dialogue with Iran that would include the judiciary and security forces and the EU institutions must do more to empower and develop civil society within Iran, MEPs say.
The resolution stresses that Iran should be involved in all discussions seeking a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Syria and in the region, provided it shows commitment to achieving this. It should use its influence in Syria to stop the bloodshed and cooperate with the EU and the US in Afghanistan, namely on drug trafficking and protection of refugees, MEPs add.
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
Join the debate on Europe's future on 27 March
Brussels: On 27 March, over 150 EU citizens will be in Brussels to debate the future of Europe, at the EU's invitation.
The debate follows discussions with European Commissioners held in all the countries of the EU since September 2012. Attended by over 15 000 people, these have enabled citizens to air their views on Europe's future economic and political development ahead of the European elections in May.
3 participants from each of these discussions will take part in debates throughout the day in Brussels. Topics will include
The final debate will bring everyone together with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso from 16.00 to 17.00 CET. You can watch the event live via webstream and join in on social media.
2013 was the European Year of Citizens, which sought to familiarise people with their rights as EU citizens. Dialogues were held all over Europe, enabling EU citizens to express their hopes and aspirations for the future and their views on the direction the EU should take. These have continued into 2014. In a poll conducted during the debates, 51% thought Europe would emerge stronger from the crisis, while 74% wanted closer political union. 88% favoured holding more debates.
The views expressed by citizens will help to guide plans for future reform of the EU. In an election year, it is particularly important for citizens to have a direct say in the debate.
The debate follows discussions with European Commissioners held in all the countries of the EU since September 2012. Attended by over 15 000 people, these have enabled citizens to air their views on Europe's future economic and political development ahead of the European elections in May.
3 participants from each of these discussions will take part in debates throughout the day in Brussels. Topics will include
- citizens’ rights
- overcoming the crisis
- climate change
- consumer concerns that affect people's everyday lives.
The final debate will bring everyone together with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso from 16.00 to 17.00 CET. You can watch the event live via webstream and join in on social media.
2013 was the European Year of Citizens, which sought to familiarise people with their rights as EU citizens. Dialogues were held all over Europe, enabling EU citizens to express their hopes and aspirations for the future and their views on the direction the EU should take. These have continued into 2014. In a poll conducted during the debates, 51% thought Europe would emerge stronger from the crisis, while 74% wanted closer political union. 88% favoured holding more debates.
The views expressed by citizens will help to guide plans for future reform of the EU. In an election year, it is particularly important for citizens to have a direct say in the debate.
Wajid Shamsul Hasan announces departure
[caption id="attachment_545" align="aligncenter" width="400"]
Cake cutting at the Pakistan Day Reception organized by Pakistan High
Commission London on 31 March 2014[/caption]
LONDON (PR): Following the National Day Celebrations on 23 March Pakistan Day reception was held at a local hotel on Monday. A large number of people including Parliamentarians, diplomats, leading media and business personalities and people belonging to different walks of life participated.
[caption id="attachment_544" align="aligncenter" width="605"]
Pakistan High Commissioner for UK Mr Wajid Shamsul Hasan; Baroness D'Souza,
Lord Speaker; Hugh Robertson, Minister of State for Foreign and
Commonwealth Affairs and Deputy High Commissioner Muhammad Imran Mirza speaking at the Pakistan Day Reception organized by Pakistan High Commission London on 31 March 2014[/caption]
Rt Hon Hugh Robertson, Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs was the guest of honour and represented Foreign Secretary Rt Hon William Hague.
In his address he mentioned the strong ties between the two countries and said:”We are here to honour our past as we mark the National Day of Pakistan”. He said the UK looked forward to forging even stronger ties with Pakistan.
Cake cutting at the Pakistan Day Reception organized by Pakistan HighCommission London on 31 March 2014[/caption]
LONDON (PR): Following the National Day Celebrations on 23 March Pakistan Day reception was held at a local hotel on Monday. A large number of people including Parliamentarians, diplomats, leading media and business personalities and people belonging to different walks of life participated.
[caption id="attachment_544" align="aligncenter" width="605"]
Pakistan High Commissioner for UK Mr Wajid Shamsul Hasan; Baroness D'Souza,Lord Speaker; Hugh Robertson, Minister of State for Foreign and
Commonwealth Affairs and Deputy High Commissioner Muhammad Imran Mirza speaking at the Pakistan Day Reception organized by Pakistan High Commission London on 31 March 2014[/caption]
In his welcome address, Pakistan High Commissioner for UK, Mr Wajid Shamsul Hasan, paid tributes to the Muslims of South Asia who, under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, established their own separate homeland. Mr Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan was of a liberal, progressive and egalitarian democratic country where every citizen was to enjoy equal rights, freedom and opportunities—irrespective of caste, creed, colour or gender, said the High Commissioner.
Speaking about the Pakistan-UK bilateral ties, he highlighted the historical, political trade and business relations between the two countries He particularly lauded the role of the Pakistani diaspora in the UK in development of Pakistan and cementing the ties between two countries.
On this occasion, he announced to step down from his position. Mr Wajid informed that he will devolve his authority to the Deputy High Commissioner Imran Mirza.
He was deployed as high commissioner in UK for last six years, which is a record tenure for any Pakistani envoy.
The reception was attended by a large number of Lords, MPs, the British
friends, Pakistani diaspora in the UK and media representatives. The attendees included Rt Hon Baroness D’SOUZA, Lord Speaker; Rt Hon Hugh Robertson, Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs; Secretary General Commonwealth H.E. Kamalesh Sharma and Mrs Sharma; His Excellency Khaled Al-Duwaisan, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,Former Speaker Baroness Boothroyd. Mr.Mubeen Rashed (Nai Baat), Mr.Mobeen Chaudhry Chief Edtor (Kashmir Link London) ,Lord Nazir Ahmad,Murtaza Ali Shah (The News London) and Lord Qurban Hussain,Barrister Amjad Malik.Deputy High Commissioner Muhammad Imran Mirza conducted the ceremony.
Rt Hon Hugh Robertson, Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs was the guest of honour and represented Foreign Secretary Rt Hon William Hague.
In his address he mentioned the strong ties between the two countries and said:”We are here to honour our past as we mark the National Day of Pakistan”. He said the UK looked forward to forging even stronger ties with Pakistan.
The Rt Hon Baroness D’Souza, Lord Speaker also spoke on the occasion about the existing goodwill between the two countries. She specifically appreciated the participation of women in various walks of life in Pakistan.
The High Commissioner thanked all the guests for attending the reception.
Separately Hasan expressed his deep gratitude to Pakistani Diaspora for
extending to him all their support in making his two tenures as High
Commissioner successful.
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Berlin:LUMS'S student visited Pakistan Embassy
BERLIN:A group of students of Dramatic Society(Drama line) from the Lahore University of Managements Sciences(LUMS) visited Pakistan Embassy and called on Charge d' Affairs Dr. Mazhar Javed. Earlier, the students presented a performance on Traditional Pakistani Wedding ceremonies at Nowruz-Spring Festival organized by the Museum of Ethnology and the German Foreign Office in Berlin. Nine Embassies of Central Asian countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey and Iran participated in this event and presented their respective cultural and traditional music and food
Monday, 24 March 2014
Pakistan Day Special Memorial Service held at the Westminster Abbey
LONDON: In keeping with past practice, the Westminster Abbey organized a special Evensong to coincide with the occasion of National Day of Pakistan. The special Memorial Service was held on Monday. Pakistan High Commissioner for UK Mr.Wajid Shamsul Hasan accompanied by officers of the High Commission and their spouses besides a number of local persons attended the event.
Special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and its people as well as for the continued friendship between the two countries. From the High Commission, Deputy High Commissioner Muhammad Imran Mirza read out excerpts from the Bible.
Special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and its people as well as for the continued friendship between the two countries. From the High Commission, Deputy High Commissioner Muhammad Imran Mirza read out excerpts from the Bible.
Friday, 7 March 2014
British Hajj/Umrah traveller's plight must not go unheard
LONDON (PR):Association of British Hujjaj (ABH has appreciated the acknowledgement by the City of London Police's National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) that the Hajj frauds are a national issue, which is affecting a large number of British Hajj/Umrah travellers.
Every year over a 125,000 British Hajj/Umrah pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform pilgrimage. Regrettably, a large number of these travellers, including the elderly, sick and disabled are being exploited by the rogue and unscrupulous tour and travel operators.It is causing tremendous distress and mental anguish to the vulnerable travellers. It is highly deplorable that unscrupulous tour and travel operators have no regard and respect for UK travel laws. Violation of the British legislation has become a common practice amongst these rogue and unscrupulous Hajj/Umrah tour and travel operators.
ABH has been tirelessly campaigning since over a decade to highlight the plight of British Hajj/Umrah travellers. Their plight was brought into the attention of all the relevant law enforcement authorities and this issue was also raised at the House of Parliament. However, the community is yet to see a decisive action by the authorities to eliminate malpractice and fraudulent activities.
At a recent meeting at House of Lords, hosted by ABH Patron Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, to discuss the plight of the vulnerable British Hajj/Umrah travellers, Lord Toby Harris, Chairman of National Trading Standard Board,extended his support towards addressing this issue and he commented that "there are an awful lot of nasty people who are preying on vulnerable individuals, who want to fulfil their religious duties, and particularly the Hajj fraud is offensive".
Stephen Head, Commander of National Co-ordinator Economic Crime, City of London Police, also extended police force's full support towards combating Hajj scams and said, "I hope that we will be judged by our actions, not by our words", adding that "if this [Hajj scams] is happening to one person then it is one person too many, and we can do something about it".
ABH strongly urges the police authorities that they must take this task seriously. They should take swift and severe action against the rogue and unscrupulous tour and travel operators to win back the community's confidence. The rogue and unscrupulous tour and travel operators must not be allowed to take advantage of these vulnerable travellers, including the elderly, sick and disabled.
Every year over a 125,000 British Hajj/Umrah pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform pilgrimage. Regrettably, a large number of these travellers, including the elderly, sick and disabled are being exploited by the rogue and unscrupulous tour and travel operators.It is causing tremendous distress and mental anguish to the vulnerable travellers. It is highly deplorable that unscrupulous tour and travel operators have no regard and respect for UK travel laws. Violation of the British legislation has become a common practice amongst these rogue and unscrupulous Hajj/Umrah tour and travel operators.
ABH has been tirelessly campaigning since over a decade to highlight the plight of British Hajj/Umrah travellers. Their plight was brought into the attention of all the relevant law enforcement authorities and this issue was also raised at the House of Parliament. However, the community is yet to see a decisive action by the authorities to eliminate malpractice and fraudulent activities.
At a recent meeting at House of Lords, hosted by ABH Patron Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, to discuss the plight of the vulnerable British Hajj/Umrah travellers, Lord Toby Harris, Chairman of National Trading Standard Board,extended his support towards addressing this issue and he commented that "there are an awful lot of nasty people who are preying on vulnerable individuals, who want to fulfil their religious duties, and particularly the Hajj fraud is offensive".
Stephen Head, Commander of National Co-ordinator Economic Crime, City of London Police, also extended police force's full support towards combating Hajj scams and said, "I hope that we will be judged by our actions, not by our words", adding that "if this [Hajj scams] is happening to one person then it is one person too many, and we can do something about it".
ABH strongly urges the police authorities that they must take this task seriously. They should take swift and severe action against the rogue and unscrupulous tour and travel operators to win back the community's confidence. The rogue and unscrupulous tour and travel operators must not be allowed to take advantage of these vulnerable travellers, including the elderly, sick and disabled.
Thursday, 6 March 2014
Kashmir Council EU condemns expulsion of Kashmiri students from an Indian University
BRUSSELS (PR):Kashmir Council EU has condemned the framing of sedition charges against the Kashmiri students studying at an Indian university for cheering Pakistan’s victory in the ongoing Asia Cup in Bangladesh.
In a statement issued from Brussels, Chairman Kashmir Council EU Ali Raza Syed said, the expulsion of the Kashmiri students from the university in Meerut in Utter Pradesh on the charges is an inhuman and shameful act.
He said, such action proves that India has fake democracy as it is not taking care of the basic human and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
How India is a democratic country and particularly, it claims largest
democracy of the world but there is no room for opposition’s voices in India.
Ali Raza Syed termed the harassment, violence against a number of Kashmir student and their expulsion from the university and registration of the treason case against them as a black stain on the so-called Indian democratic face.
He said, world should be aware of Indian behaviour with the innocent people of Kashmir who are the struggling for right of self-determination.
Chairman Kashmir Council EU said, we are writing letters to the different international powers including U.S. and EU about the Indian illicit action against the innocent Kashmiri students.
Celebration of Pakistan’s victory in a cricket match by the Kashmiri
students in an Indian city means, the people of Kashmir do not accept the Indian occupation over their territory, he further argued.
He said that South Asia would continue to be marred with instability,
dangers and tension unless the Kashmir dispute was resolved as per people’s aspirations. He said that it was the responsibility of the US,EU and the world community to stress India to give right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir.
Ali RAza syed also demanded impartial probe into the recent killing of seven youth by Indian troops in Lolab area of Kupwara district in IHK.
Kashmir Council EU Chairman urged the world community to force India to stop war crimes and pave the way for tripartite talks to resolve the Kashmir dispute peacefully
In a statement issued from Brussels, Chairman Kashmir Council EU Ali Raza Syed said, the expulsion of the Kashmiri students from the university in Meerut in Utter Pradesh on the charges is an inhuman and shameful act.
He said, such action proves that India has fake democracy as it is not taking care of the basic human and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
How India is a democratic country and particularly, it claims largest
democracy of the world but there is no room for opposition’s voices in India.
Ali Raza Syed termed the harassment, violence against a number of Kashmir student and their expulsion from the university and registration of the treason case against them as a black stain on the so-called Indian democratic face.
He said, world should be aware of Indian behaviour with the innocent people of Kashmir who are the struggling for right of self-determination.
Chairman Kashmir Council EU said, we are writing letters to the different international powers including U.S. and EU about the Indian illicit action against the innocent Kashmiri students.
Celebration of Pakistan’s victory in a cricket match by the Kashmiri
students in an Indian city means, the people of Kashmir do not accept the Indian occupation over their territory, he further argued.
He said that South Asia would continue to be marred with instability,
dangers and tension unless the Kashmir dispute was resolved as per people’s aspirations. He said that it was the responsibility of the US,EU and the world community to stress India to give right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir.
Ali RAza syed also demanded impartial probe into the recent killing of seven youth by Indian troops in Lolab area of Kupwara district in IHK.
Kashmir Council EU Chairman urged the world community to force India to stop war crimes and pave the way for tripartite talks to resolve the Kashmir dispute peacefully
Fatima Bhutto nominated for fiction prize
LONDON (AFP) - Fatima Bhutto, the niece of assassinated Pakistani former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, has been nominated for the Women's Prize for Fiction, the judges announced Friday.
Bhutto is among 20 women on the long list for the award, which was formerly known as the Orange prize and is open to English-language novels from anywhere in the world.
She is nominated for "The Shadow of the Crescent Moon", her first attempt at fiction following several fact-based books, including a memoir of her family's blood-soaked history.
Bhutto is a fierce critic of her charismatic aunt, who twice served as prime minister, claiming she was power hungry and "morally responsible" for the murder of her brother, Fatima's father Murtaza Bhutto, in 1996.
The winner of the prize, which will be announced at the Royal Festival Hall in central London on June 4, receives 30,000 pounds ($50,000, 36,500 euros) and a bronze known as a "Bessie".
Other nominees for the 19th annual award include "The Luminaries" by New Zealand author Eleanor Catton, which won the 2013 Booker Prize.
Australia's Hannah Kent is nominated for "Burial Rites", while Indian-American Jhumpa Lahiri is long-listed for "The Lowland".
Penguin Books UK's managing director Helen Fraser chairs the five-woman judging panel, which will announce the short list on April 7.
"This is a fantastic selection of books of the highest quality -- intensely readable, gripping, intelligent and surprising -- that you would want to press on your friends," she said.
Former winners Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2007) of Nigeria and Suzanne Berne (1999) of the United States are on the long list, which also contains six debut novels.
The other long-listed authors are from Britain, Canada, Ireland and Pakistan.
US writer A. M. Holmes won last year's prize with "May We Be Forgiven".
Bhutto is among 20 women on the long list for the award, which was formerly known as the Orange prize and is open to English-language novels from anywhere in the world.
She is nominated for "The Shadow of the Crescent Moon", her first attempt at fiction following several fact-based books, including a memoir of her family's blood-soaked history.
Bhutto is a fierce critic of her charismatic aunt, who twice served as prime minister, claiming she was power hungry and "morally responsible" for the murder of her brother, Fatima's father Murtaza Bhutto, in 1996.
The winner of the prize, which will be announced at the Royal Festival Hall in central London on June 4, receives 30,000 pounds ($50,000, 36,500 euros) and a bronze known as a "Bessie".
Other nominees for the 19th annual award include "The Luminaries" by New Zealand author Eleanor Catton, which won the 2013 Booker Prize.
Australia's Hannah Kent is nominated for "Burial Rites", while Indian-American Jhumpa Lahiri is long-listed for "The Lowland".
Penguin Books UK's managing director Helen Fraser chairs the five-woman judging panel, which will announce the short list on April 7.
"This is a fantastic selection of books of the highest quality -- intensely readable, gripping, intelligent and surprising -- that you would want to press on your friends," she said.
Former winners Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2007) of Nigeria and Suzanne Berne (1999) of the United States are on the long list, which also contains six debut novels.
The other long-listed authors are from Britain, Canada, Ireland and Pakistan.
US writer A. M. Holmes won last year's prize with "May We Be Forgiven".
European Youth Event – take part online
Brussels: Thousands of people from every corner of Europe, including neighbouring and candidate countries, have applied for the EYE2014 event. They come from schools, universities, youth organisations as well as spontaneous groups formed with the help of EYE social media platforms, as individual applications could not be accepted
However, this event is not only for those who can be there in person. The European Parliament will enable everyone to participate in the event online. They will have the opportunity to follow several workshops, panel discussions and performances via web streaming.
By using their PCs or tablets, online participants will be able to ask questions via Twitter and participate directly in the discussions and debates taking place in Strasbourg. Workshop moderators will select the best questions coming from the web and include them in the live discussions.
In Strasbourg, giant screens inside and around the Parliament's building, will show the live streaming of the meetings and discussions, together with Twitter and Instagram walls. The Parliament will also provide participants with a mobile application containing all information about the events, including a personalised schedule and maps, as well as the biographies of all speakers. The application will be launched in April.
When it comes to engaging people through social media and online communication, the European Parliament has always been a pioneer among public institutions. Nearly 70% of MEPs have a personal website and more than 60% are active on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. The European Parliament has almost 1.3 million Facebook fans, making it the biggest parliamentary Facebook community in the world.
However, this event is not only for those who can be there in person. The European Parliament will enable everyone to participate in the event online. They will have the opportunity to follow several workshops, panel discussions and performances via web streaming.
By using their PCs or tablets, online participants will be able to ask questions via Twitter and participate directly in the discussions and debates taking place in Strasbourg. Workshop moderators will select the best questions coming from the web and include them in the live discussions.
In Strasbourg, giant screens inside and around the Parliament's building, will show the live streaming of the meetings and discussions, together with Twitter and Instagram walls. The Parliament will also provide participants with a mobile application containing all information about the events, including a personalised schedule and maps, as well as the biographies of all speakers. The application will be launched in April.
When it comes to engaging people through social media and online communication, the European Parliament has always been a pioneer among public institutions. Nearly 70% of MEPs have a personal website and more than 60% are active on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. The European Parliament has almost 1.3 million Facebook fans, making it the biggest parliamentary Facebook community in the world.
"Violence against women is a reflection of gender inequality":Mikael Gustafsson
Brussels: This year's International Women's Day, which is always held on 8 March, is dedicated to preventing violence against women. Facebook fans asked why this was chosen as the theme. Gustafsson said they wanted to send a strong message to the European Commission and the member states to prioritise this issue.
Many people also asked how to make people think differently about gender inequality. "We have to fight gender inequality at all levels and also talk about the issue of violence against women," Gustafsson said. " Especially, in early ages and in school we need to involve men and boys in this struggle."
On the question why in the 21st century violence against women still exists, Gustafsson replied that we lived in a society that is gender-unequal and violence against women is a direct reflection of that gender inequality.
Facebook fans were also interested to know what member states could do to foster equality. Gustafsson said member states could ratify the Istanbul convention on combatting violence against women. "It is a very good convention but too few member states have signed and ratified it."
To read the full text and find out more about what the Parliament is doing, click on the links on the right.
Many people also asked how to make people think differently about gender inequality. "We have to fight gender inequality at all levels and also talk about the issue of violence against women," Gustafsson said. " Especially, in early ages and in school we need to involve men and boys in this struggle."
On the question why in the 21st century violence against women still exists, Gustafsson replied that we lived in a society that is gender-unequal and violence against women is a direct reflection of that gender inequality.
Facebook fans were also interested to know what member states could do to foster equality. Gustafsson said member states could ratify the Istanbul convention on combatting violence against women. "It is a very good convention but too few member states have signed and ratified it."
To read the full text and find out more about what the Parliament is doing, click on the links on the right.
K. C. EU condemns expulsion of Kashmiri students from an Indian University
Brussels (PR): Kashmir Council EU has condemned the framing of sedition charges against the Kashmiri students studying at an Indian university for cheering Pakistan’s victory in the ongoing Asia Cup in Bangladesh.
Kashmir Council EU Chairman urged the world community to force India to stop war crimes and pave the way for tripartite talks to resolve the Kashmir dispute peacefully
In a statement issued from Brussels, Chairman Kashmir Council EU Ali Raza Syed said, the expulsion of the Kashmiri students from the university in Meerut in Utter Pradesh on the charges is an inhuman and shameful act.
He said, such action proves that India has fake democracy as it is not taking care of the basic human and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
How India is a democratic country and particularly, it claims largest democracy of the world but there is no room for opposition’s voices in India.
Ali Raza Syed termed the harassment, violence against a number of Kashmir student and their expulsion from the university and registration of the treason case against them as a black stain on the so-called Indian democratic face.
He said, world should be aware of Indian behaviour with the innocent people of Kashmir who are the struggling for right of self-determination.
Chairman Kashmir Council EU said, we are writing letters to the different international powers including U.S. and EU about the Indian illicit action against the innocent Kashmiri students.
Celebration of Pakistan’s victory in a cricket match by the Kashmiri students in an Indian city means, the people of Kashmir do not accept the Indian occupation over their territory, he further argued.
He said that South Asia would continue to be marred with instability, dangers and tension unless the Kashmir dispute was resolved as per people’s aspirations. He said that it was the responsibility of the U.S., EU and the world community to stress India to give right of self-determination to the people of Kashmir.
Ali RAza syed also demanded impartial probe into the recent killing of seven youth by Indian troops in Lolab area of Kupwara district in IHK.
Kashmir Council EU Chairman urged the world community to force India to stop war crimes and pave the way for tripartite talks to resolve the Kashmir dispute peacefully
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