European Parliament endorses tripartite negotiations on Kashmir dispute

The second resolution passed recently by the European Parliament calls for a peaceful settlement of the dispute through "constructive and meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan which also involves the genuine representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The resolution was sponsored by Mrs. Eryl Mc Nally, British MEP (Labour, Milton Keynes). As parliamentarians, her group has been concerned at the lack of progress in resolving the Kashmir issue over the last fifty years.

Text of resolution follows:

A. Having regard to its many earlier Resolutions on Kashmir:

B. Aware that many instances of human rights abuses in recent years stem, in part, from the failure of the Governments of India and Pakistan to settle the long standing disputes over the status of Jammu and Kashmir.

1. Welcomes the recent statement by the new Indian Prime Minister, Hon. Deve Gowda that he would be willing to have talks with the Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto, on items of potential conflict between the two countries.

2. Believes that a settlement to the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir can only be brought about through a constructive and meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan which also involves the genuine representations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

3. Urges the Prime Minister of both countries to give priority to the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir during their talks