European Union Asks India, Pak To De-Escalate Tension After Pulwama Attack

Source- ndtv.com

The European Union (EU) has asked Pakistan to take “clear and sustained” actions targeting not only all UN-listed transnational terrorist groups but also individuals claiming responsibility for attacks in the wake of the Pulwama terror strike.

The statement came amid heightened tension between the two nuclear-armed arch-rivals after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EU Commission, urged Pakistan and India to urgently “de-escalate” the tension which has built up after the attack.

She spoke to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday and discussed the current situation, a delegation of the European Union (EU) said in a statement.

The EU is also in contact with India, it said.

Ms Mogherini highlighted the need to “continue addressing terrorism including clear and sustained actions targeting not only all United Nations-listed transnational terrorist groups but also individuals claiming responsibility for such attacks” the statement said.

After the Pulwama attack, which was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), India launched a diplomatic offensive against Islamabad.

India has asked Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control.

The government also announced the withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation status for Pakistan and hiked the customs duty by 200 per cent on goods originating from Pakistan.