Liberal Democrats Back EU Partnership with Pakistan

3.26.52pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 22nd Apr 2004

Britain's Liberal Democrat MEPs voting in the European Parliament have backed the conclusion of a Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Pakistan, though they made clear that many changes were needed before Pakistan could be described as a truly democratic country that respected human rights.

Baroness Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat MEP for London, spoke in the debate beforehand as author of the opinion of the civil liberties committee. She said that Europe needed to encourage Pakistan to make further improvements, not shun it.

Approval of the agreement was controversial in the European Parliament, and it was only the votes of Liberal Democrat MEPs Sarah Ludford and Liz Lynne which ensured a 16-14 approval in the Foreign Affairs committee. Without them, it would not have proceeded to endorsement by the plenary.

Said Sarah Ludford: 'We can use the EU-Pakistan dialogue that the agreement sets up to encourage the forces of reform and modernisation, especially among the lively 'civil society' and NGOs that flourish in Pakistan.'

'There has been progress and those who wish to see the country moving forward will welcome the European Parliament approval. I'm sure that the British Pakistani community will be a major force for pressure towards greater democracy and respect for human rights'.

The agreement deals with a wide range of issues including trade, economic cooperation, environmental protection and poverty alleviation. It has been in preparation for eight years, as concern about human rights, nuclear testing and the military coup delayed its confirmation.

The report voted by the European Parliament asserts that torture and unlawful detention remain widespread, that women are subject to 'honour killings' and face severe discrimination and violence, and that opposition politicians are subject to repressive measures. However it accepts that the press is largely free and some political progress has been made, thus justifying engagement via this EU accord.

Related Links:

Read Sarah's written opinion to the European Parliament on this issue.

Read Sarah's speech in the European Parliament.