SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES EMPHASIS ON TOLERANCE, RULE OF LAW, NEED TO FIGHT

TERRORISM IN SPEECH BY PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN

Calls on Both Sides To Reduce Tension, Enable Resumption of Dialogue

The following statement was issued on 12 January by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes the emphasis in the speech today by Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf on tolerance, the rule of law and the need to fight terrorism and extremism.  He regards the anti-terrorist measures announced by the President, including the banning of several armed extremist organizations, as a significant further step towards easing the dangerous situation in the region.

The Secretary-General takes this opportunity to reiterate his conviction that the differences between India and Pakistan can only be resolved peacefully.  He was glad to note in this connection the reference in President Musharraf's speech to the need for a solution in Kashmir through dialogue and by peaceful means.

The Secretary-General calls on both sides to do whatever is necessary to reduce tension and enable a resumption of their bilateral dialogue without further delay, with a view to resolving their differences.

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