Euro-MP welcomes Kashmir ceasefire

2.10.40pm GMT Tue 25th Nov 2003

Liz Lynne has been a leading campaigner for the rights of Kashmiri people for many years

Commenting on the news that India and Pakistan are to declare a ceasefire in the Kashmir region from midnight tonight, Herefordshire Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne said:

"I am of course delighted that India has agreed to Pakistan's proposed ceasefire. This is a far cry from 18 months ago when the two countries were caught in a vicious circle of brinkmanship and appeared to be on the verge of nuclear war.

"The next step is to resume talks. The Pakistan government must continue to crack down on militants, but India must similarly move from its position of not entering formal talks until all terrorist attacks stop and steps must be taken to end the abuse of human rights.

"But it is not about looking back at the atrocities committed on whatever side. It is not about attributing blame. It is about looking forward to the future and to the real potential we have now to move forward and find a permanent peaceful settlement. Ultimately, the views of the Kashmiri people themselves must be taken into greater account."

Liz Lynne MEP is the President of the Liberal Democrat Friends of Kashmir, and a Vice Chair of the European Parliament All Party Kashmir Intergroup.