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France terms it `positive development'

By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

NEW DELHI OCT. 23. France, Japan and Britain have welcomed the 12 measures proposed by India to Pakistan on Wednesday in a bid to inject a degree of confidence into the troubled bilateral relationship.

In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry spokesman said: "The announcement made by India regarding the measures proposed to Pakistan constitutes for France a positive development."

"The decision represents what France, along with its European partners has always appealed for, that is the resumption of a genuine dialogue between the two parties on all issues on which the two countries differ."

Japan also welcomed the announcement made by the External Affairs Minister, Yashwant Sinha. It also lauded the "announced Pakistani position to respond positively" to the Indian proposals.

In a separate statement, the British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, said: "I warmly welcome the statement... by Mr. Sinha announcing a number of measures India is ready to take to further improve relations with Pakistan."

"Such steps will help to build greater confidence and trust between India and Pakistan. I very much hope that both governments will continue to work together towards normalising their relations and resolving their differences, including on Kashmir."

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