SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES PAKISTAN’S DECISION TO IMPLEMENT UNILATERAL KASHMIR CEASEFIRE, INDIA’S POSITIVE RESPONSE

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES PAKISTAN’S DECISION TO IMPLEMENT UNILATERAL

KASHMIR CEASEFIRE, INDIA’S POSITIVE RESPONSE

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

      The Secretary-General warmly welcomes the announcement by Pakistan of its decision to implement a unilateral ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir with effect from the Eid Al-Fitr and India’s positive response to the offer.  He is encouraged by recent efforts by the two countries to build confidence in their relations and to address outstanding problems.

The Secretary-General is following with interest the recent proposal by India of a number of confidence-building measures and Pakistan’s response to them.  He urges the two countries to continue these efforts with patience and resolve. The Secretary-General remains at their disposal to assist in any way they consider mutually beneficial.

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