Robert Evans MEP, Chair of the European Parliament's South Asia delegation, voiced his concerns and slammed conservatives and liberals for watering down demands on President Musharraf. He said:
"I am deeply shocked about the declaration of the state of emergency and suspension of Pakistan 's constitution and fundamental liberties."
In drafting the joint resolution on Pakistan Labour MEPs urged the Parliament to include a paragraph enabling the imposition of targeted sanctions on President Musharraf and top military and government officials. Mr Evans explained:
"The sanctions included travel bans and the freezing of assets in the event that president Musharraf does not lift the current state of martial law and step down as chief of the army. However, these important sanctions were blocked by conservative and liberal members of the Parliament".
He continued:
"I welcome the announcement that elections will take place by 9th January but I have to ask in the light of the "emergency measures", including the suspension of television channels and other human rights, is it possible to hold democratic elections in less than 8 weeks time? The European Parliament should not stand aside and ignore what is happening, but should do everything in its power to restore democracy for the people of Pakistan, and that includes the imposition of targeted sanctions".
ENDS
For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +44 207 222 1719 or +32 479 790 053.
European Parliamentary Labour Party, European Parliament, Rue Wiertz, 1047 BRUSSELS , Belgium -
Tel: 00 32 2 28 43736 Fax: 00 32 2 28 49061
