Kashmir (Hansard, 12 February 1990)

§ Mr. Allan Stewart
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with representatives of other Governments concerning the implementation of the United Nations declaration No. 261.

§ Sir David Steel
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Government of India to implement the United Nations resolution calling for a referendum in the disputed territories of Jammu and Kashmir.

§ Mr. Sainsbury
Britain voted in favour of the various United Nations resolutions on Kashmir. Much has happened since, including the 1972 Simla agreement on bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. We believe that the status of Kashmir can be settled only by agreement between the two sides.

§ Mr. Allan Stewart
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Governments of India and Pakistan concerning Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Sainsbury
We have made clear in our regular contacts with the Indian and Pakistani Governments that we believe that the status of Kashmir can be settled only by agreement between the two sides. We have also made it clear that we have no sympathy with those who espouse violence for political ends.

§ Mr. Allan Stewart
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has recently made concerning civil rights in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Sainsbury
In our recent contacts with the Indian Government we have recognised the serious problems of violence they face in Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed our hope that they will deal with the situation with restraint. We have also made clear that we have no sympathy with those who espouse violence for political ends.