Euro-MP welcomes President Musharraf's decision to open Line of Control

4.17.39pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 19th Oct 2005

General Musharraf's offer yesterday to open up the Line of Control in divided Kashmir, so that families can find loved ones, has been welcomed by Euro-MP, Liz Lynne. Liz, who spoke in the European Parliament in Brussels last week urging the Indian and Pakistani Governments to allow aid and Kashmiris to cross the border, has said,

"General Musharraf's statement is excellent news for the people of Kashmir, and especially for the survivors of the earthquake. I am glad India has also welcomed the proposal. Both countries seem genuinely interested in providing the easy movement of aid and families across the Line of Control.

"However, it is crucial that these statements are quickly translated into reality. If the 500,000 people that have yet to see any help are to have a chance of surviving, crossing points other than the road between Srinagar on the Indian side and Muzaffarabad on the Pakistani side must be opened up as soon as possible.

"This is a step in the right direction. Let us hope that all parties in the disputed region are involved in the relief effort and we can build on this cooperation in the future to find a peaceful and just solution to this fifty-eight year old dispute but it must include the Kashmiri people."

ENDS.

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Liz Lynne on 003222847521(Brussels) or 077644 52725 (mobile) or the Press Officer in Stratford-Upon-Avon on 01789 262785.

Note to Editors:

The 12 October 2005 Point of Order from Liz Lynne MEP:

"Can the President use his good offices to persuade both the Indian and Pakistan Governments to allow aid to cross unheeded over the Line of Control. I am delighted that so far 5 families from Pakistan controlled Kashmir and 1 from Indian controlled Kashmir have been allowed to return home. This is a step in the right direction.

"However, I understand many individuals and organisations on the Indian side are being told because of the over 50 year old dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir that they are not allowed to cross the border and help victims.

"I hope old enmities will continue to be put behind them and for them to concentrate on the provision of humanitarian aid."