I have made no assessment of the cost of the conflict in Kashmir.
We welcome the continued dialogue between India and Pakistan over all outstanding issues, including Kashmir. In contacts with the Governments of India and Pakistan, we have encouraged them to continue efforts to build trust and confidence and improve the lives of ordinary Kashmiris.
The European Parliament is currently engaged in its own internal procedures in preparation of a report on the situation in Kashmir. I think it would be premature to comment at this stage. I look forward to reading the final report when it is issued in spring 2007.
I have read with interest President Musharraf’s recent press interviews on Kashmir and India-Pakistan relations. The UK continues to urge both India and Pakistan to seek a lasting resolution to the issue of Kashmir, which takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. I have not spoken to the Governments of Pakistan or India on President Musharraf’s latest press statement.