Oral Answers to Questions — Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Kashmir/Jammu. Tuesday, 21 June 2005

Paul Rowen (Rochdale, LDem)

What progress has been made in negotiations between Pakistan and India on Kashmir and Jammu.

Kim Howells (Minister of State (the Middle East), Foreign & Commonwealth Office)

We welcome President Musharraf and Prime Minister Singh's recent declaration that the peace process is "irreversible".

Some confidence-building measures have already been taken, such as the provision of a bus service between the divided parts of Kashmir, and some political leaders from Indian-administered Kashmir have visited Pakistani-administered Kashmir and Pakistan. We welcome those and other steps to help find solutions to all outstanding issues between the two countries.

Paul Rowen (Rochdale, LDem)

Does the Minister agree that lasting peace will come to the region only when those on both sides of the line of control are involved in the dialogue? Will he speak to the Indian Government, who I understand are not prepared to accept a reciprocal visit from Pakistan and Azad Kashmir?

Kim Howells (Minister of State (the Middle East), Foreign & Commonwealth Office)

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's wish to assist progress, but I do not think his suggestion is very helpful. We will not be partisan; we will allow those countries to do what they are already doing, which is making good progress, speaking to each other bilaterally and speaking to other interested parties.