Pakistan “more than ever” needs support in its efforts to combat terrorism and bolster democracy following the killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the European Union said on Thursday, while China also reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism.
While the US operation on Pakistani soil “has raised questions” on the role of the country’s army and intelligence services, “there can be no doubt that we will have to rely on Pakistan’s full cooperation as a partner”, said a spokesman for EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu stopped short of directly criticising the daring raid by US Special Forces on Pakistani soil that ended with bin Laden’s death but said national sovereignty “should be respected” at all times.