Islamabad: Pakistan claimed a major diplomatic victory after the European Union Parliament voted in favour of a "third generation" trade and cooperation agreement with it, brushing aside the rider, which called for improving democracy and Human Rights situation in the country.

The twin resolutions moved separately were approved at the plenary session of the EU Parliament at Strasbourg yesterday (Apr 22, 2004) with a large majority.

"The European Parliament by ratifying third generation agreement has took a sound and wise decision and we welcome it," Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan said.

"The implementation of the agreement will be beneficial for both Pakistan and European Union," he said, adding that the agreement is a result of responsible and forward looking foreign policy of Pakistan.

This is an agreement of partnership and development and it covered various areas such as trade, economic cooperation, environment, human resources, information and communication, Khan said.

While voting for the agreement after strong diplomatic backing by Britain and US, EU however unanimously approved a second resolution criticising the slow return to democracy and poor Human Rights record, Pakistani media reported today.