EU says dialogue is only solution for political crisis in Pakistan

The EU on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the current situation in Pakistan and said it is monitoring events closely.

“We reiterate our conviction that the current impasse should be resolved peacefully through dialogue within the framework of the Constitution and we urge all parties to act responsibly and to refrain from using violence,” Michael Mann, spokesman for EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, said in a statement.

The statement came as thousands of anti-government demonstrators continued to protest in Islamabad’s red zone, which houses government buildings including the parliament and foreign embassies.

“Consolidation of democracy remains one of the European Union’s top priorities in Pakistan, ” it noted, stressing the EU’s “strong commitment to the economic prosperity of a democratic Pakistan.”