Chairman Kashmir Council Europe (KC-EU) Ali Raza Syed has highly commended the recent statement of Josep Borrell, the High Representative and Vice President of European Union on current situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a letter in response to a joint letter of a group of Members of European Parliament (MEPs) concerning current situation of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles shared his and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen concerns on the situation.
The letter of EU’s vice president said, “We share your concerns about the human rights situation in the territory, and raise them on opportune occasions with our Indian counterparts both in New Delhi and Brussels, as well as at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.”
Giving detail of various occasions, the EU VP’s letter said, even individuals cases of human rights such as that of Khurram Parvez, Kashmiri human rights defender were raised during the dialogues on human rights with India.
About EU’s participation in the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi in second week of September, Josep Borrell said, although a delegation from EU will represent the EU in the G20 summit but the Union considers that any allegation of human rights abuse should be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently, in line with international human rights obligations.
He however said, “We continue to encourage India and Pakistan to find a lasting solution to the situation in Kashmir, through engaging in a positive dialogue, and by involving as far as possible the Kashmiri people on both sides of the Line of Control.
Resolving differences between India and Pakistan around Kashmir should have a major positive impact on peace and stability across the region. The EU will also remain closely engaged in discussions with local stakeholders and advocacy groups.
Chairman Kashmir Council Europe Ali Raza Syed said, remarks given by the EU’s high ranking leader are very significant and its shows that EU gives special worth to the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ali Raza Syed also appreciated the members of EU’s parliament who wrote a letter to the EU’s higher authorities concerning the situation of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir.—Agencies
