§ Ms MoranTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last held discussions with the US Government on Kashmir. [153159]
§ Mr. WilsonMinisters and officials regularly discuss Kashmir and other regional issues with their US counterparts.
§ Ms MoranTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last held discussions with the(a) Pakistan and (b) Indian Governments regarding (i) human rights violations in and (ii) self-determination for the people of Kashmir; and what plans he has for further discussions. [153158]
550W
§ Mr. WilsonThe Foreign Secretary most recently met his Indian counterpart, Jaswant Singh, in London in November. They discussed a range of issues, including Kashmir and human rights. Officials in our High Commission in lslarrnbad also regularly discuss Kashmir with the Pakistani Government. We will continue to urge both Governments to build on the recent positive developments in Kashmir and return to dialogue to find a solution to this issue. We also believe any solution must involve, and reflect the view of, the people of Kashmir.
§ Ms MoranTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further action he intends to take regarding the provision of independent human rights observers in Kashmir. [153161]
§ Mr. WilsonFCO Ministers have consistently urged the Indian Government to allow access to Kashmir for human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, and for UN human rights Rapporteurs. We will continue to impress upon them the benefits of transparency and importance of investigating abuses.