§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from Amnesty International about the situation in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement. [91690]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 16 July 1999]: We have studied Amnesty International's report, published earlier this year, on disappearances in Kashmir. We share the 432W concern expressed there over aspects of the human rights situation in Kashmir, while welcoming the steps the Indian Government have taken in recent years to improve human rights observance in India. We continue to condemn all human rights abuses, whether by militants or the security forces, and to encourage the Indian authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the state of the conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir; and if he will make a statement. [91691]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 16 July 1999]: We welcome the disengagement of infiltrators from their positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control, and India's suspension of airstrikes against them. We trust that the conditions for a complete cessation of fighting will soon be created, and that both sides will work to assure the integrity of the Line of Control. We continue to urge India and Pakistan to resume their bilateral dialogue on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir, and hope for an early return to the process started at Lahore in February.