EU asks Pakistan to stop infiltration along LoC

EU asks Pakistan to stop infiltration along LoC
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

BERLIN, MARCH 18: In an endorsement of New Delhi's concern over Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, the European Union has said that Islamabad should be asked "to put a stop" to infiltration from their side of the Line of Control into India.

European Commission's Development Affairs Commissioner Poul Nielson said this appeal should be made to Islamabad by third parties seeking solution to the Kashmir dispute.

The comments by the executive body of the 15-nation EU assume significance since they come on the eve of US President Bill Clinton's visit to the Indian subcontinent.

Nielson yesterday said the third parties wanting an end to the Kashmir dispute should urge both India and Pakistan to de-escalate military confrontation in a "structured way" and resume comprehensive dialogue with a view to re-launching the Lahore peace process.

His remarks came during his intervention in the plenary session of the European parliament in Strasbourg, France, after a debate on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The European parliament also adopted a resolution blaming the activities of cross-border terrorists for "systematically attacking" defenceless civilians in Kashmir.

The EU resolution called on India and Pakistan to refrain from any provocation and to respect the LoC to create an atmosphere conducive to bilateral talks on all outstanding issues.

"The two countries could also consider international support or mediation if necessary, involving the UN to facilitate a meaningful bilateral dialogue," the resolution said, asking them to recapture the "spirit" that in February, 1999, led to the Lahore Declaration.

Nielson said India should be encouraged to explore the full potential towards internal political solutions to meet the expectations of Kashmiri population in line with the possibility for enhanced autonomy.

Welcoming the European parliament's deep concern regarding the Kashmir issue, he said that the world community's concern for the region was a "legitimate one", particularly as both India and Pakistan possessed nuclear weapons and since their bilateral dialogue has "effectively broken down".

"Precisely because of this impasse and the high risks involved, third parties must adopt a balanced approach," he said.

Nielson said the upcoming EU-India summit at Lisbon would "certainly" discuss the Kashmir issue.