SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED BY RISING TENSION BETWEEN INDIA, PAKISTAN

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is increasingly concerned by the alarming rise in tension between India and Pakistan.  He is in close contact with the leaders of both sides, to encourage them to resolve their differences, including over Kashmir, by peaceful means.

The Secretary-General considers it essential that the logic and language of war be replaced by the logic and language of peace.  At the same time, he wishes to reiterate his unconditional condemnation of all acts of terrorism.  There can be no tolerance for such acts, especially across the Line of Control in Kashmir.  The Secretary-General accordingly urges President Musharraf to take vigorous action to ensure full implementation of the policy set out in his speech of

12 January.

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