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LAHORE:Acknowledging the role of the armed forces in the war on terror, European Parliament Vice-President Fabio Massimo Castaldo here Sunday said people of Pakistan should be proud of their forces for defeating terrorism in the country to a great extent.

India should foster dialogue with Pakistan on all disputes and bury the hatchet for collective good of people and lasting peace in the region, he said adding, he was ready to mediate between Pakistan and India if the two countries wished so.

In an interview with APP before his departure after two-day visit, he said though Pakistan armed forces had silenced the terrorists a great deal, the war on terror is going to last long, it is not won yet.

To a question, he said around 70,000 people died in the war but the country must continue with the constructive approach which was vital for ensuring security, adding that Europe understands the need to eradicate poverty as poverty could make a person easy prey to radicalisation.

I on behalf of the European Union (EU) send condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the war against terror, he added.

To a question, he urged the need of awareness through education to save the youth from any propaganda. Recognising Pakistan’s initiatives like Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh minority, adding that such acts were completely coherent with the values promoted by the civilised world. He said the religious sites help to bridge the differences and bring communities and countries closer while these let everyone felt integrated and accepted into the societies.

I endorse the initiative to build Hindu temples, Sikh Gurdwaras as I understand the importance of protecting the minorities’ rights and India should follow suit, Castaldo said.