Euro-MP hopes India Pakistan exchange a stepping stone to peace

9.14.51am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 13th Sep 2005

Liz Lynne MEP has welcomed the decision by India and Pakistan to exchange more than 500 prisoners. The exchange represents the largest number since the new peace process began last year. Most prisoners were farmers and fishermen who had wandered across the poorly marked border. This is one of the initiatives that have been designed to relieve tensions concerning the disputed region of Kashmir.

Liz Lynne, who will be speaking at the International Kashmir Alliance (IKA) conference Tuesday in Brussels, commented Monday, "This is a promising step forward for the relationship between India and Pakistan.

"These two neighbouring countries must resolve their conflict over Kashmir, and any measure that assists in the process - like today's exchange - is a welcome improvement.

"The vast majority of those detained by the feuding nations have little to do with the political row. The prisoners are farmers, fishermen and workers who have strayed across the border or into foreign waters. What is even worse is that the border is so poorly marked that most had no idea they had even left their own country.

"The prisoners should not be made to suffer in a foreign country while diplomats wrangle over Kashmir. They are not political poker chips - but citizens of their respective countries with human rights that must be respected.

"I encourage the leaders of India and Pakistan to build on this exchange to reach a peaceful and long-lasting solution to the Kashmir conflict. However it is important that the Kashmiri people are consulted more on the peace process. Whatever Pakistan and India decide the final say must be with the people of Kashmir - there cannot be a settlement without their agreement."

ENDS.