The Hindu : U.K. hails decision

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 26, 2003

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U.K. hails decision

By Hasan Suroor

LONDON NOV. 25. Britain has welcomed the new confidence-building measures announced by India and Pakistan and said that these demonstrate the two countries' ``commitment to addressing the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiris.''

In a statement, the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, hoped that both Governments would continue to work together towards ``normalising their relations and resolving their differences, including on Kashmir.'' He welcomed the Pakistan Prime Minister, Mir Zafarullah Jamali's announcement of a unilateral ceasefire along the Line of Control and India's ``positive'' response.

``These steps, like those proposed by India last month, will help to build greater confidence and trust between Pakistan and India and demonstrate their commitment to address the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiris.''

Annan welcomes India's response

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, has welcomed India's positive response to Pakistan's announcement of unilateral ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir from Id day.

In a statement yesterday, Mr. Annan said he was following with interest the recent proposal by India of a number of confidence-building measures and Pakistan's response to them.

India has made it clear that the ceasefire can become "durable" only if Pakistan stops infiltration of terrorists into Kashmir. It also proposed a ceasefire along the "Actual Ground Position Line" (AGPL) in Siachen. — PTI

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