International Reaction To The 2007 Pakistani State of Emergency - Europe

Europe

  • France - The French Foreign Ministry asked Musharraf to begin a political dialogue and maintain the rule of law.
  • Germany - German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development spokesman Markus Weidling said that "development cooperation projects — for example energy projects — must be thought over in the light of future developments in close consultation with other international partners." Weidling also declared that "the advancement of civil society, particularly women and children, will be supported in future as well, without limitation."
  • Netherlands - Bert Koenders, Minister of Development Cooperation, announced that the Netherlands would freeze development aid to Pakistan. Koenders said Musharraf's move was a "dramatic power grab that's bad for democracy, the people and the development of Pakistan".
  • Norway - Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has in a press release expressed concern over the situation in Pakistan. The fact that the state of emergency directly infringes on the independence of the judiciary and the media is particularly regrettable, according to the minister. He states that Norway, in cooperation with other countries will work towards making it possible for Pakistan to hold Parliamentary elections as planned. Pakistan is facing big challenges both within its own borders and in a region marked by instability. This makes it all the more important than Pakistan achieves legitimate and stable governance, says Støre.
  • Sweden - Foreign minister Carl Bildt said that it is important to view the "threats" in Pakistan seriously, but added that: "It is the building of rule of law and open democracy that is, in the long term, the only safe weapon against fundamentalism and terrorism."
  • United Kingdom - David Miliband, Foreign Secretary, expressed concern over the situation and said it was vital that Pakistan "abides by the commitment to hold free and fair elections on schedule". The United Kingdom had advance knowledge of the declaration of a state of emergency. A Musharraf aide said: "There was pressure from the US and Britain in the beginning. But later on, when the government gave them the detail that elections will be held on time, and the president will take off his uniform, they did not have any objections". A Foreign Office official insisted "no consent was implied or given".

Read more about this topic:  International Reaction To The 2007 Pakistani State Of Emergency

Famous quotes containing the word europe:

    You can always tell a Midwestern couple in Europe because they will be standing in the middle of a busy intersection looking at a wind-blown map and arguing over which way is west. European cities, with their wandering streets and undisciplined alleys, drive Midwesterners practically insane.
    Bill Bryson (b. 1951)

    We are participants, whether we would or not, in the life of the world.... We are partners with the rest. What affects mankind is inevitably our affair as well as the nations of Europe and Asia.
    Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924)

    In Europe the object is to make the most of their land, labour being abundant: here it is to make the most of our labour, land being abundant.
    Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)