Humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow across Line of Control - Lynne

5.22.24pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th Oct 2005

Speaking today on the floor of the European Parliament, Liz Lynne MEP raised the issue of providing humanitarian aid to all regions devastated by the recent earthquake.

The Lib Dem MEP, in an intervention said,

"Can the President use his good offices to persuade both the Indian and Pakistan Governments to allow aid to cross unheeded over the Line of Control. I am delighted that so far 5 families from Pakistan controlled Kashmir and 1 from Indian controlled Kashmir have been allowed to return home. This is a step in the right direction.

"However, I understand many individuals and organisations on the Indian side are being told because of the over 50 year old dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir that they are not allowed to cross the border and help victims.

"I hope old enmities will continue to be put behind them and for them to concentrate on the provision of humanitarian aid."

ENDS.