Liz Lynne keynote speaker at Kashmir Roundtable

12.00.00am GMT Wed 7th Dec 2005

Liz Lynne, Lib Dem MEP and Member of the European Parliament's Human Rights Committee spoke at a meeting organised by the Kashmir Centre today in Brussels.

The meeting was organised to look at what should happen post earthquake and take into account Human Rights Day on 10th December.

She was asked specifically to talk about the European Parliament resolution that she helped to negotiate which was passed on 17th November.

In her speech, Liz said:

"The Kashmiri people are no strangers to suffering. I have been involved in the Kashmir conflict since 1988. When I was a Member of the British Parliament, I made a pledge that I would carry on working until a just solution was found to the Kashmir conflict.

"I raised the issue many times in Westminster and have carried on doing so in the European Parliament.

"It has been very difficult to put it on to the political agenda. For many years the press gave the conflict no coverage until both India and Pakistan came close to nuclear war. But even after that, it quickly disappeared from the international agenda.

"Since the earthquake on 8th October, there has probably been more publicity than ever before. Although, even that has now gone from our front pages and television screens. This was one reason why we put forward a resolution to parliament on 17th November.

"But now we need action on the European Parliament Resolution.

"Since then, EU funding has increased. Already the Commission had allocated €23.6 million which has been pledged and spent. A further €25 million has now been approved. This only took five days instead of three weeks under the accelerated procedure, which I welcome.

"ECHO have now given €48.6 million and DG External Relations €50 million towards reconstruction, making €98.6 million altogether.

"But now this exhausts the Budget for 2005. We need to keep up the pressure and look for further funding from the 2006 EU budget.

"We need to encourage other countries to contribute more, not just European countries but others worldwide who have failed to live up to expectations.

"We also need to set up a disaster management centre, so that if such catastrophes happen again, and inevitably they will, we will be ready and able to react more quickly.

"I was delighted when India and Pakistan announced that there would be five crossing points opened up over the line of control. However, my initial delight turned to disappointment when it was announced that these would be for only goods and not citizens. I am very pleased that this situation has now been rectified and citizens are now allowed over to offer help to earthquake victims. We now need for more crossing points to be opened.

"I hope that out of tragedy, a positive and just solution can be found.

"I am very pleased that India and Pakistan are continuing to negotiate with each other, but there cannot be a solution without the agreement of the Kashmiri people.

"The EU must continue to use their good offices and try to make sure that the dialogue continues.

"Parliamentarians should continue to put questions to the Council and the Commission and raise the issue in the Human Rights and Foreign Affairs Committees, and in the SAARC Delegation. The own initiative report on Kashmir is also very welcome.

"However, at the moment we are preaching to the converted. We need as much television and press coverage worldwide so that the disaster is not forgotten.

"Equipment such as winterised tents and corrugated iron shelters are needed. Winter is coming and if the international community does not do more we will see more death. We have to be responsible. We have to work to make sure that the message gets out to the wider public."

ENDS