NEW DELHI, Aug 29 (AFP) ­ British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind argued [today] Thursday that India should invite international observers to the upcoming state elections in Kashmir.

"They want the elections to be seen as credible," he said. "We would prefer to see official international observers present.

"India says people can go (to Kashmir) on their own authority. I expect a lot of people to be there," Rifkind told a news conference.

His comments came a day after Ramamohan Rao, information advisor to the Kashmir government, confirmed no observers would be permitted.

Rifkind, who flew here from Pakistan for a three­day visit on a five­nation tour of Asia, added that Britain was willing to act as a mediator if New Delhi and Islamabad agreed.

"We would be perfectly willing to try and help in these matters but only if both India and Pakistan so wish. If that is not thought to be appropriate, we would not wish to interfere.

"It's a very sensitive issue. We will do nothing to make an already difficult issue even more difficult."

Pakistan has already branded the poll a sham after parliamentary elections in Kashmir in May led to accusations that many people were forced to vote at gunpoint by Indian soldiers.