Blair's appeal for India/Pakistan talks welcome but Kashmiris must be involved - MEP

10.03.29am GMT Wed 22nd Nov 2006

Long-time campaigner for a peaceful resolution in Kashmir, Liz Lynne MEP, has welcomed Tony Blair's appeal to Indian and Pakistan leaders to work together to find a solution but has stressed that the Kashmiris themselves should not be left out of the process.

Reacting to comments by Tony Blair during his trip to Pakistan, President of the Liberal Democrat Friends of Kashmir Liz said:

"I am very pleased that Tony Blair is calling for the leaders of both India and Pakistan to resolve this issue but I am concerned that while he stressing this is a regional issue, he is ignoring the people at the centre of the problem.

"When President Musharaff came to the European Parliament in September, he gave me his assurance that the people of Kashmir would be fully involved in any decision about their future.

"It is right that the international community should be encouraging India and Pakistan to talk but the only way that we can achieve a just solution is by involving the Kashmir people."

Editor's Notes

For more information, please see article at http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/21/stories/2006112113250100.htm