HC Deb 22 June 1999 vol 333 c920
9. Mr. Malcolm Savidge (Aberdeen, North)

What assessment his Department has made of relations between India and Pakistan; and if he will make a statement. [86581]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Geoffrey Hoon)

We remain deeply concerned by the fighting in the Kargil area of Jammu and Kashmir following armed infiltration across the line of control. We have called on Pakistan and India to respect the line of control. We have urged both countries to calm the situation, reduce tensions between them and ensure that the conflict does not escalate further. We welcomed the talks between the Indian and Pakistani Foreign Ministers on 12 June. We hope that the dialogue will continue and that early progress will be made to end the fighting.

Mr. Savidge

Will the Government exert all possible influence to try to reduce the risks of a nuclear conflict that could devastate the subcontinent and beyond?

Mr. Hoon

That is precisely why we have urged both countries to implement United Nations Security Council resolution 1172 and, in particular, to sign the comprehensive test ban treaty, cease the production of fissile material and refrain from deploying nuclear weapons and delivery systems.