SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES PAKISTANI LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION

AS STEP TOWARDS EASING REGIONAL TENSIONS

The following was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General

Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General, who has been in contact in recent days with leaders in both Pakistan and India, welcomes the determined law enforcement action taken by the Pakistani authorities.  The Secretary-General believes that such measures are an important first step towards easing tensions in the region.

The Secretary-General recalls that Prime Minister Vajpayee and Chief Executive Musharraf and their delegations are due to attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Kathmandu.  He strongly urges the two countries to seize this opportunity to reduce tensions further.

In the meantime, the Secretary-General urges both governments to avoid escalating actions and further statements that could aggravate the situation.

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