AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, January 22, 2013 (PPI-OT): Pakistan and India can live in peace and harmony and be very good friends and neighbours if they follow the Elysee Treaty in letter and spirit. This was said Dr Tilo Klinner Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Karachi at a press conference held at the chancery to brief the media about celebrations of 50 years of Franco-German Friendship Treaty and current and upcoming projects undertaken by Germany in Sindh and Baluchistan.
The German Consul General said France and Germany were sworn enemies for centuries and fought countless wars including two world wars in the 20th century that brought ruin to both countries. It was in the aftermath of World War II that France and Germany realised the total futility of war and embarked on a policy of peace and friendship.
Dr Klinner said Pakistan and India could follow the example of France and Germany and live in peace and harmony. He added that the Karachi-Mumbai initiative could go a long way in replicating the Elysee Treaty.
The German envoy then offered floor to French Consul General Christian Ramage to speak on the Elysee Treaty. Mr Ramage said Germany had invaded France three times between 1870 and 1940. He said there was a time when the world said that France and Germany could never be at peace. The leaders of both countries decided to live in peace, and now there is no possibility of war between them.
The French consul general said with the signing of The Elysee Treaty, the centuries of conflict were buried forever. He added that the treaty had brought peace and prosperity to not only both countries but the region and western Europe.
Referring to the different assistance programmes initiated by Germany, he said Germany was in the process of helping Pakistan to set up more wind farms besides providing technical expertise and backup to set up state-of-the-art solar energy infrastructure.
He said Pakistan possessed great potential to generate solar power particularly in Baluchistan. Dr Klinner said Germany was interested in helping Pakistan overcome its energy crisis because this was one of the main constraints hampering Pakistan’s economic development besides terrorism and the aw and order situation.
Dr Klinner said Germany would also help Pakistan fulfill the preconditions of the GSP Plus Programme that would help it increase its exports to the EU.
For more information, contact:
Ali R. Akhtar
Press and Public Relations Officer
Press and Cultural Section
Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany
92-A/7, Block 5, Clifton
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel.: (+92-21-) 3587 3782/83 Ext. 223
Fax: (+92-21-) 3587 4009
E-Mail: ali.akhtar@diplo.de
Web: www.karachi.diplo.de