§ 27. Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the present situation in Kashmir. [30921]
§ Mr. BaldryThe Indian Government have recently extended President's rule over the state of Jammu and Kashmir for six months from mid-July. They have made it clear that they will try to hold state elections within that period. We hope that such elections could provide a first step towards the genuine political process for which we have long called.
§ 31. Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement setting out Her Majesty Government's policy in respect of Kashmir. [30925]
§ Mr. BaldryOur position is unchanged. We continue to believe that the best way forward on Kashmir should involve simultaneous progress on dialogue between India and Pakistan as provided for under the 1972 Simla agreement, improvement in human rights in Kashmir and a genuine political process there and a clear cessation of external support for violence in Kashmir. We stand ready to offer our good offices to help resolve the dispute if both sides so wish.