07 May 2003
Boucher Condemns Violence in Kashmir
(Says U.S. supports renewed engagement between India and Pakistan) (320)
In response to recent clashes in the disputed territory of Kashmir,
State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher repeated that violence
"will not solve Kashmir's problems," and welcomed recent moves towards
a dialogue between the governments of India and Pakistan.
Speaking at the May 7 State Department briefing, Boucher said the
United States wants to see further steps taken by both parties,
including "renewed engagement ... leading to a reduction in tensions,
an end to violence in Kashmir, and progress towards resolution of
their differences."
"We'll encourage such measures during Deputy Secretary Armitage's
visit to the region this week, and in further senior-level contacts
with Pakistan and India," said Boucher.
Following is an excerpt from the May 7 State Department briefing
containing Boucher's comments on India and Pakistan:
(begin excerpt)
QUESTION: Apart from condemning it, which presumably you do, do you
have anything extra to say about the attack in Kashmir today,
especially in the light of Secretary Armitage's visit? Do you see this
as a setback to the rapprochement that you were so positive about last
week?
MR. BOUCHER: We have seen the media reports of further violent
incidents on both sides of the line of control in Kashmir. As we have
said many times, we strongly believe that violence will not solve
Kashmir's problems. We want to see it end. We have welcomed Indian
Prime Minister Vaypayee's recent bold offer to renew talks and by
Pakistan's positive responses. We want to see further steps along
these lines.
We'll encourage such measures during Deputy Secretary Armitage's visit
to the region this week, and in further senior level contacts with
Pakistan and India. We would like to see renewed engagement between
India and Pakistan leading to a reduction in tensions, an end to
violence in Kashmir and progress towards resolution of their
differences.
(end excerpt)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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