Srinagar, May 12: A delegation of the European Union arrived here on Thursday to assess the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesman said.   
The delegation comprising Ambassador of European Union to India Daniele Smadja, Ambassador of Ireland Knneth Thampson, Ambassador of Belgium Pierre Vaesan, First Secretary EU Philipp Gross and Attache EU Anne Vaugier-Chatterge arrived here this morning and exchanged views on a number of issues separately with Governer N N Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami.
The Chief Minister, according to the spokesman, discussed matters related to the socio-economic and political developments in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Chief Minister told the EU delegation about the steps being taken by the union and state governments to restore permanent peace and bring political stability in the state,” he said.
Omar, according to the spokesman, briefed the delegation of the measures taken by the state government to ensure equitable and all round development in the state with special reference to the backward and remote areas. He also talked about the new initiatives introduced by his Government for skill development and enhancing employability of youth.
“The EU delegation evinced keen interest in the new initiatives taken by the state government to address unemployment crisis under SKEWPY and other programmes and also noticed with interest the measures afoot to address political issues and bring about peace and normalcy in the state and ensure faster development on all fronts,” the spokesman added.
During the hour long meeting with the Governor NN Vohra, the delegation discussed a number of issues, he said. 
 Meanwhile, the CPI (M) state secretary M Y Tarigami said that he exchanged views with the delegation on a number of issues, including  confidence building measures, reduction of forces, providing relief and comfort to the people.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 IST