“We support reconciliation, we support it in the manner that it is under the umbrella of rule of the country and the Constitution,” EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana said at press conference he addressed with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office.

He was optimistic about the reconciliation process and said it would work if done within the ambit of law and the Constitution.

Replying to a question about acceptability of talks with Al Qaeda, the EU top diplomat said: “The answer is no.”

Explaining the parameters of the government’s reconciliation strategy with militants and extremists, Foreign Minister Qureshi said: “It is a comprehensive process and a basis for this understanding is that they will respect law of the land and abide by it and won’t promote gun culture.”

Mr Solana held talks with government leaders on a range of issues, including cooperation in trade and economy. Mr Solana said both sides had decided to continue the engagement.

“It is the first time we have met; we have not come to any type of fundamental agreement, but the agreement that we will continue interacting on the issues that are important for both of us,” Mr Solana said.

He emphasised that the EU greatly valued its relations with Pakistan and would do its utmost to strengthen these relations.Pointing towards commonality of views between Pakistan and the EU on various subjects, Mr Solana said: “We analysed the issues with common eyes.”

Mr Qureshi sought Mr Solana’s support for a Free Trade Agreement between EU and Pakistan and withdrawal of anti-dumping duty on Pakistani bed-linen.

Appreciating the EU election observation mission’s role in the Feb 18 elections, Mr Qureshi said its final report would be laid in parliament for implementation of its recommendations and developing national consensus on how to hold free and fair elections in future.

At a separate media briefing at the residence of the French ambassador, Mr Solana spoke of his interaction with President Musharraf, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and the parties constituting the ruling alliance. He said the meetings were very good and provided him a better understanding of their views on how to improve relations between Pakistan and the EU.

In his meeting with Mr Solana President Musharraf stressed the importance of greater market access for Pakistani goods to the European Union through preferential trade arrangements such as Pakistan’s proposals for a free trade agreement with the EU.