Bus Service Signals Renewed Hope For Kashmir

2.30.00pm GMT Wed 16th Feb 2005

Today's announcement by the Indian and Pakistan Governments that they have agreed to launch a bus service across the ceasefire line which divides Kashmir is a huge step forward for peace in the region, according to the President of the Liberal Democrat Friends of Kashmir, Liz Lynne MEP.

The bus service will begin on April 7th and will link the Indian and Pakistani capitals of Kashmir.

Liz Lynne commented:

"As well as the announcement on the new bus service, which will help reunite family members who have been separated since the conflict began, there has also been welcome progress in other areas. The construction of a gas pipeline between Iran and India through Pakistan, the reopening of consulates in Karachi and Mumbai as well as discussions on reducing the risk of accidental nuclear war are being explored.

"Both countries have come along way in the last two years. We at last, appear to have two leaders who want to pull back from the brinkmanship of the past and find away for lasting peace in the region. Let us hope the discussions also include the Kashmiri people whose views must be taken into greater account.

"We have seen in the last few months with both sides accusing the other of violating the ceasefire agreement, how fragile the peace process is. It is important that both sides continue to talk about disagreements rather than resorting to the violence of the past."

ENDS