To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with her counterpart in Pakistan on the landmining of the country’s border with Afghanistan. (134402)

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed this subject with President Musharraf in Pakistan on 26 February. The UK recognises the efforts being made by Pakistan to curb cross-border infiltration across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The UK position on the use of landmines, however, is well known and we urge Pakistan to find solutions with less destructive long-term humanitarian consequences. We note that President Musharraf announced on 2 February that he has decided for the time being not to mine the border.