JAMMU The United States Tuesday (18th February) urged India and Pakistan to end their longstanding row over Kashmir but said Washington did not seek a mediatory role in the conflict.
The US Ambassador to India, Frank Wisner, said in a speech at Jammu University that South Asia would see real peace only when India and Pakistan resolved the ownership of Kashmir peacefully.
"The United States seeks no role in this affair, other than as an advocate for peace and reconciliation," he said.
"India has made it clear it does not seek thirdparty mediation, and America is not offering to serve as mediator."
"No lasting solution can be imposed not by Pakistan on India, nor by India on Pakistan, or by the world on either country . . . Only India and Pakistan can make peace, and keep it."
Wisner added: "Unless this conflict is resolved, Kashmir risks becoming an even greater magnet for violent, radical politics that employ terrorism as their instrument of choice."
Wisner, making his third trip to Kashmir, called for an end to the violence.
"Violence must end," he said. "Terrorism from any quarter must end. It has no place in a civilised world. It must be rooted out." (AFP)
Earlier, the US issued a warning against India on its policy in Kashmir. "Cautioning India against political lethargy on Kashmir, the United States has called on New Delhi to seize the political moment and move decisively towards a final resolution of the conflict."
In a speech here at the United Services Institution today, the US Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Thomas W. Simons Jr., declared that Kashmir will not 'disappear as a vexing international issue' in the wake of the recent elections to the State Assembly.
"Reiterating the Clinton Administration's position on Kashmir, Mr. Simons said the issue must be 'resolved peacefully through bilateral negotiations between Pakistan and India, taking into account the interests and desires of the people of Kashmir.' Without mincing words, Mr. Simons declared that until the issue is resolved, 'the whole of the former princely State of Jammu and Kashmir will remain a disputed territory.' Mr. Simons also insisted that 'no elections will change that status' until the issue is resolved to the satisfaction of all the involved parties," The Hindu, 27th November 1996.
"The social costs of this conflict place an unacceptable burden on the people of the state. Years of violence have levied a huge toll in human suffering, economic stagnation and crumbling infrastructure. Democratic societies cannot sustain themselves for too long in the face of such devastation," he said.
"A political process must begin that enables all the people of this state to unite in common cause, be they Buddhists in Leh, Muslims in Srinagar, or Hindus here in Jammu.
"Special care must be given to the victims of violence, especially to those, like the Pandits, who have lost their homes and livelihoods, and to those who have been maimed, widowed or orphaned.
"The rule of law must be fully restored, and the law of the gun banished. The citizens of this state should feel secure, safe from the cycle of violence, of action and reaction, which has caused such suffering in this state. Every man, woman and child in this state deserves the assurance that their dignity will be protected from those who place themselves above the law -- whether they are in the security forces, or in insurgency.
"Kashmir's history demonstrates its people's capacity to respect diversity and live in peace. That respect must be restored," Wisner further added.
"Interestingly Mr. Wisner refused to accept the view that the Assembly elections in the State were a 'reflection of the wishes of the people.' 'The elections were of 'considerable importance' and opened a window of opportunity,' Mr. Wisner said, adding that the wishes of the people could be taken care of by holding dialogue among the people of the region," The Hindustan Times, 20th February 1997.
"Speaking to reporters here [Jammu], he reiterated that the Kashmir issue should be resolved by India and Pakistan, taking into account the wishes of the people of the state," The Times of India.
"Describing violence as a tragic choice, he said there should be serious efforts to initiate a genuine dialogue to resolve the issue.
"Mr. Wisner said 'I have not visited any part of India so frequently as I have visited this State. This has got to say something about the policy of the US.' In an emotional tone, he said. 'How much we want to see you all break out of this long cold winter of violence.' But the key was with the Government and the people, he said.
"If the parties call for our [the US] involvement, we can help, he added.
"Earlier, Mr. Wisner had a breakfast meeting with the leaders
of [All Parties] Hurriyat Conference at its Rajbagh headquarters.
Mr. Wisner spent about two hours with Hurriyat [APHC] leaders,"
The Hindu.