Kashmir

Margaret Moran
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the cost of the conflict in Kashmir in each year since 2003.

Dr. Howells
I have made no assessment of the cost of the conflict in Kashmir.

Margaret Moran
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further confidence building measures are planned in respect of Kashmir; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Howells
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.

Margaret Moran
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the draft report by Baroness Nicholson MEP for the European Parliament on Kashmir.

Dr. Howells
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.

Mr. Clifton-Brown
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of General Musharraf's four-point solution to achieve peace in Kashmir; what representations she has made to the Governments of (a) India and (b) Pakistan on the proposal; what reports she has received from the (i) British high commission in New Delhi and (ii) British high commission in Pakistan on the proposal; and what steps she plans to take to help achieve a peaceful resolution in Kashmir.

Dr. Howells
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.