Answer given by High Representative Borrell
23.3.2020
The EEAS was not informed of the preparations for the visit of Members of the European visit by the MEPS in their personal capacity do not represent EU official position.
The EU position on Kashmir was expressed by the Minister of Finland, Ms Tytti Tuppurainen on the 17 September 2019 on behalf of the HRVP, in the plenary session of the European Parliament[1]. It is up to the relevant internal bodies of the European Parliament to decide whether there are any grounds to look into the organisation of this visit.
As far as the situation in Kashmir is concerned, the EU Ambassador to India and Ambassadors of EU Member States accepted the invitation extended by the Government of India to visit Srinagar and Jammu on 12-13 February 2020. The visit included meetings with civil and military authorities, political representatives, as well as representatives of civil society and the business community.
The visit confirmed that the Government of India has taken positive steps to restore normalcy. However some restrictions remain, notably on Internet access and mobile services, and several political leaders are still in detention. While recognising the serious security concerns, it is important that the remaining restrictions be lifted swiftly.
The visit presented a good opportunity to see the situation on the ground and to interact with local interlocutors. The EU looks forward to continuing the dialogue with India on the situation in the region.
- [1] https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/india/67477/speech-behalf-high-representativevice-president-federica-mogherini-european-parliament-plenary_en