DUSHANBE, July 14, 2009, Asia-Plus — The European Union (EU) is seriously concerned over events that took place in Pakistan and their consequences on Tajikistan, Mr. Pierre Morel, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia and Caucasus, remarked at a press conference in Dushanbe on July 13.
He considers that it is still too premature to say anything about the recent clash between the government forces and armed gangs in eastern Tajikistan. “We need more detailed information in order to make any specific conclusions,” said Mr. Morel, “However, we suppose that such a situation in Tajikistan was caused by Pakistani events.”
The EU envoy stressed that the European Union highly appraises the choice Tajikistan made twelve years ago, coming to a national accord. “We are against any manifestations that would cause new confrontation of forces in Tajikistan,” said he, “We hail the present policy of the country aimed at eradicating illegal armed groups and combating drug trafficking.”
Mr. Morel also noted that recent armed clashes had not been discussed during yesterday’s meeting of members of the EU Troika delegation with leader of the Islamic Revival Party (IRPT) Muhiddin Kabiri. “During the meeting, we asked Mr. Kabiri to outline the situation within the party,” the EU envoy said. According to him, they also asked him to share his view on the situation in the country and tell them about his work as the only representative of the Islamic Revival Party in parliament.
