Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-02-07-Speech-4-157"
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"en.20020207.8.4-157"2
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"Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I think that we have had a close shave, particularly because a first text was distributed, signed by both Mrs Lynne and Mr Elles, which was truly unacceptable. The work – particularly work that has been done through the night over the last few days – has significantly enhanced the text and has resulted in a document which, although still not perfect, is acceptable.
We must bear in mind the title of and the reason for this resolution, namely the terrorist attacks in India. Therefore, the resolution is, first and foremost, an expression of solidarity with the victims of these attacks. Dr Tannock outlined to us the disastrous effects that this attack could have had on the whole of the ruling class in India.
I think that the resolution underestimates them, just as we, I believe, are to a certain extent overestimating the effect of what are still, at this stage, only statements made by President Musharraf. As Dr Tannock quite rightly pointed out, not all the madrassas, or religious schools, have as yet been closed down, and it is therefore vital that we maintain a firm approach towards Pakistan.
Furthermore, I would also say to Mr Souladakis that, in this case, balance is no real guarantee of democracy. We are forgetting that India is a democracy and has been one for over 50 years. Democracy is and must continue to be a reference point for Parliament. India is a developing country, which for more than 50 years has continued to strengthen its democracy with the population as it stands. There is almost no other situation like this in the world. There is China – India’s great neighbour, a great market, an Eldorado for many of our fellow Members. And then, there is this great country that we all too often forget, where the Commission has made a fair amount of progress over the last two to three years. The first EU-India summit has been held, and has been followed by a second one, but this is really not enough.
By virtue of its system of government and of its will to forge ahead with its development whilst respecting democratic values, India should serve as a point of reference for our cooperation policy with all the countries of the world. India’s difficulties are infinitely greater than those of many other countries, in which we continue to tolerate a dictatorial regime, fundamentalism and other similar scourges.
I would therefore like to thank the Members who worked late into the night to transform the basic text and to make this into a document that supports India. I think that we could have gone further in our support and that we must continue to exercise extreme caution where Pakistan is concerned, because Pakistan has, on many occasions, indicated its good intentions, but it is still not going far enough."@en1
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