Opening up Line of Control is welcome but more is needed- Lynne

11.27.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 7th Nov 2005

Commenting on the protests in divided Kashmir over the failure to open the designated crossing points between Indian and Pakistani-controlled parts of the territory to civilians today, Liz Lynne MEP said today,

"It is good news that at least one crossing point has been opened according to schedule, and that aid can reach those who desperately need it. But the Kashmiri people were promised more.

"We know that India and Pakistan can stay focused in their co-operation when they want to. They showed this by continuing to negotiate after the bomb blasts in Delhi last week. It is deeply concerning that India has now taken the decision to reduce the number of crossings opened today to just the one. The Indian and Pakistani governments must not squander this opportunity to demonstrate their sensitivity to the earthquake victims' needs.

I sincerely hope that border police show compassion and restraint in dealing with the Kashmiri protesters. This is no time to add to the suffering of Kashmiri families desperate to be reunited with each other.

ENDS.

Note to Editors:

Liz Lynne is President of the Liberal Democrats Friends of Kashmir and Member of the European South Asia Delegation