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Kashmir report, which Emma Nicholson authored, attracted a lot of attention. Not only individuals and groups showed great interest in it, but governments also got involved in it. Soon it became clear that this Kashmir report had become a contest between India and Pakistan.
After a lot of lobbying, debates inside and outside the EU, the EU Foreign Affairs Committee passed this report. No matter what the Pakistani officials, 'lobbyists' and foot soldiers say in support of their performance in opposing the report, the fact remains that this report after some amendments, was passed almost unanimously as there were sixty votes in favour and only one vote against it. Some of those who shouted loudest to oppose this report were absent at the time of voting. However, it is no longer Emma Nicholson report, but the EU Foreign Affairs Committee report, which was presented to the EU Parliament in the third week of May 2007. Full session of the EU Parliament held on 24 May 2007, after lengthy debate adopted the EU Kashmir report authored by Baroness Emma Nicholson. Final voting was 522 in favour of the report, 09 against, and 11 abstained.
According to many 'Kashmir Watchers', the Pakistani campaign and diplomacy failed. Their 'generals in diplomacy' and champions of human rights proved to be worse. However, it is pleasing to note that the Pakistani diplomats who were at the forefront of 'anti- Emma Nicholson campaign' have learnt their lesson. They have also realised that diplomacy, especially in 21st century Europe, doesn't work well with coercion, intimidation and black mailing; and results are better achieved by use of dialogue and persuasion. Not long ago Emma Nicholson was demonised and projected as pro-India, anti-Pakistan, anti-Kashmir etc; but after the approval of her report on 21 March 2007 she was invited as a guest of honour to the Pakistan Day celebrations on 23 March 2007 in London where senior Pakistani diplomats were bending backwards to please and appease her.
Some of those who opposed the report tooth and nail are now claiming credit for it; and some of them are playing down its importance. People in the first category are true businessmen and they have mastered the art of making material gains from everything. They...