India-EU concerned over 'deterioration' on Pak-Afghan border

Marseilles (France), Sept 29 (PTI) India and the
European Union (E.U.) Monday voiced deep concern over the
"continuing deterioration" of the security conditions on a
tense Pakistan-Afghanistan border and demanded there should be
sustained action to deal with the volatile situation.

A joint communique issued at the end of the ninth
India-E.U. Summit attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
and French President Nikolas Sarkozy, in his capacity as
chairperson of the rotating presidency, also noted the new
commitments of the government of Pakistan to address regional
and international concerns.

At a press conference, Sarkozy said Pakistan and
Afghanistan would be a matter of discussion during the
luncheon hosted in honour of the visiting Prime Minister.

Sarkozy said France wishes to help Pakistan and hoped
it fights terrorism with determination.

"If Pakistan deals with the situation in a determined
manner, the question of non-Pakistani forces being present
does not arise," Sarkozy said in a reference to the
controversial cross-border American strikes on the Taliban
positions in Pakistan.

Pakistan has a major stake in global security, Sarkozy
said, hoping Pakistan will help create conditions to restore
peace in Afghanistan.

Reaffirming their commitment to promoting
international peace and security, India and the E.U. backed
efforts to build a democratic and pluralistic society.

Singh and the E.U. leaders agreed that strengthening
Afghan security and military forces would help in the
enforcement of the rule of law.

Prime Minister Singh and President Sarkozy condemned
terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by
whomever, wherever and for whatever purpose.

They also agreed to work actively toward a swift
finalistion of a comprehensive convention on international
terrorism at the United Nations (U.N.).

At the bilateral level, the two sides expressed
commitment to continuing their cooperation on counter
terrorism and early formalisation of cooperation between
Europe and Indian agencies.

The leaders discussed the situation in Myanmar and
agreed on the need to strengthen efforts towards national
reconciliation and reaffirmed the need for an inclusive
dialogue, including with Aung San Suu Kyi and the Myanmar
ethnic groups to progress towards democracy.