Dr Benita Ferrero-Waldner
EU Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy
New Delhi
7 September 2005
India and the European Union "join forces at international fora" to address developments
in India's neighbourhood, according to EU Commissioner for External Relations and
European Neighbourhood Policy Dr Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
In an interview to this newspaper, Dr Ferrero-Waldner on Wednesday said the EU was
keen to work with India in ensuring that multi-party democracy was restored in Nepal and
the Sri Lankan peace process proceeded on course. This EU-India engagement would be
distinct from "result-oriented" initiatives on global issues like terrorism, disarmament
and nuclear nonproliferation.
Acknowledging that terrorism was an important issue and that the EU looked forward to
an enhanced cooperation with India in counter-terrorism operations, Dr Ferrero-Waldner
said the EU's counter-terrorism coordinator, Mr Gijs de Vries, would visit India to carry
forward the joint action plan and political declaration signed by both sides.
"The India-Pakistan composite dialogue," she said, "was highly appreciated [by the EU]"
but cautioned that the sub-continent could "not afford another backlash". Describing the
Nepal King's action as a serious setback to a negotiated settlement, she said the EU
was for speedy restoration of multi-party democracy.
The EU commissioner was hopeful of the Sri Lankan peace process gathering
momentum. The EU is actively pursuing the peace talks along with US, Japan and
Norway. She said the EU will install a new observer next month to monitor the dialogue
between the government and the LTTE in the island nation.
Dwelling on the strategic partnership between EU and India, Dr Ferrero-Waldner said the
"EU can already say India will take part" in the Galileo project although the same could
not be said yet about India's participation in the ITER project for which more
consultations were required among participating countries.
Both sides have adopted a two-page political declaration which commits them to block
access to terrorist financing and cooperate in the fight against money laundering. They
also announced a 19-page joint action plan to strengthen dialogue and consultation
mechanism.
The two sides will also work closely to promote effective multilateralism and strengthen
United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities. Also agreed was
establishment of a high-level trade group.
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