ISLAMABAD: The European Union, commends Pakistan’s role in the fightagainst terrorism. Jean-François Cautain, EU ambassador to Pakistan,supported efforts at stabilising the region — more particularly the peaceand reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

In an interview published on Monday, the diplomat said Pakistan’s stabilitywas closely intertwined with peace in Afghanistan.

The war on terror and an inclusive reconciliation process would pave theway for the region’s economic development, believed Jean, who has alsoserved as head of operations in the EU Delegation to Afghanistan.

He told The News: “There is no doubt that Pakistan has paid a price infighting terrorism and no one can deny this. But more needs to be done (forstability in the region and beyond).”

The envoy urged Pakistan to make the best use of its capacity to reach outto relevant stakeholders within and outside its territory to contribute topeace and stability in the region.

The ambassador said Pakistan must not allow the use of its territory forterrorist attacks anywhere in the region. “We have to understand that thetiniest doubts and misperceptions have the capacity to annihilate thegreatest engagement.

Jean acknowledged Pakistan as a key actor in promoting the Afghanreconciliation process. However, he explained the mission was a jointendeavour that all stakeholders must support.

“I have been working in the region long enough to understand that long-termsolutions do not only depend on one factor or a declared goodwill. Peaceand stability in Afghanistan is a long-term objective for which the levelof ambition of all actors must be sustained.”