Euro-MP Urges Commission To Help Facilitate Three Party Solution for Kashmir

9.49.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Jun 2005

Member of the Human Rights Committee in the European Parliament Liz Lynne MEP has urged the Commission to do all they can to help facilitate a three party solution in Kashmir.

In a question to the Commission Liz asked them what prospects for progress do they see for a three party solution in the region and what role could they play. However the Commission said there was difficulty in knowing who was in a position to represent the Kashmiri people.

Following the Commissions response, Liz said

"I found it interesting the Commission said that they welcomed the visit to Pakistan by the moderate All Parties Hurriyat Conference, but at the same time said that they did not know who could negotiate on the Kashmiri's behalf, regarding a three party solution.

"I suggested to the commission afterwards that surely the All Parties Hurriyat Conference could be one of the possibilities to consider."

Liz Lynne will be following this up with the Commission's representatives.

ENDS

Question from Liz Lynne MEP to EU Commission on Kashmir.

We welcome the recent progress between India and Pakistan towards peace in Kashmir and, in particular, the advances by Pakistani officials to enter into dialogue with leaders of the Muslim separatist movement. However, whatever Pakistan and India decide, the final decision must ultimately include the Kashmiri people. There cannot be a settlement without their agreement. What prospects for progress does the Commission see for a three party solution and what role can the European Union play in bringing this about?