Monday, February 9, 2009

EU condemns execution of Polish engineer in Pakistan


BRUSSELS-- The European Union (EU) on Monday condemned the execution of a Polish engineer, who was kidnapped in Pakistan by Taliban militants in September 2008. Both EU foreign and security policy chief Javier Solana and EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said they were shocked by the death of Piotr Stanczak, who worked as an engineer geologist. "Solana condemns this heinous crime, which highlights the extremely dangerous and unstable situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and wishes to express his solidarity with Mr. Stanczak's relatives and the Polish government," Solana's spokeswoman, Cristina Gallach said. Ferrero-Waldner said: "The perpetrators of this appalling terrorist crime must be pursued and brought to justice. I condemn in the strongest possible terms this despicable act of violence which cannot be justified under any circumstances." She said the EU remains steadfast in its support for strengthening the institutions of the Pakistani state, and is ready to support all efforts to reinforce stability in the country.A video distributed to news organizations showed Stanczak was apparently beheaded by his kidnappers.

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