International community must continue to send aid after earthquake - Lynne

9.38.30am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 11th Oct 2005

Pakistan has requested international aid after the recent earthquake near the border of Pakistan administered Kashmir.

Liberal Democrat member of the South Asia delegation in the European Parliament and President of Liberal Democrat Friends of Kashmir, Liz Lynne MEP said in Brussels,

"I am pleased that the European Union has committed relief aid to the area. Hopefully the international community as a whole will respond with similar donations.

"My condolences go out to all the people who have lost loved ones in this disaster. I hope that India and Pakistan can forget their differences for the moment and assist the people of the region who are in desperate need of help after this devastating earthquake.

"This is a real opportunity for both Governments to show to the world that they are interested in the people of the region - in Kashmir, Pakistan and India - and not just the political struggle. I hope some good can come of this terrible tragedy."

ENDS.