HC Deb 12 November 2003 vol 413 cc358-9W
Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with(a) members of the Government of Pakistan, (b) members of the Government of India, (c) members of the governments of EU member states, (d) members of the governments of EU candidate states and (e) members of the Administration of the USA concerning (i) the confidence-building measures proposed by India last week and (ii) the reaction of Pakistan; and if he will make a statement. [136352]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary released two press statements following the Indian announcement of a further package of proposals of ways to improve relations with Pakistan, and Pakistan's formal response. The first statement made on 22 October is available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk/policy/news/press-releases. The second statement made on 31 October was released locally by our British High Commissions in New Delhi and Islamabad, a copy of which is available on our High Commission in Islamabad's website: britainonline.org.pk/highcomm/downloads/31octa.pdf.

The Foreign Secretary has also had discussions with both Indian Foreign Minister Sinha and Pakistani Foreign Minister Kasuri over the last week. Both the Foreign Secretary and I met Foreign Minister Kasuri on 4 November in London, during which we discussed the measures proposed by India and Pakistan to further improve relations between the two countries. Foreign Minister Kasuri said that he hoped both sides would implement quickly the steps on which they agree and work together to close the gap on those where there is less common ground. I also met Tariq Aziz, the Secretary to the National Security Council in Islamabad on 23 October. We remain in regular contact with the US and EU member states over our shared concern to encourage India and Pakistan to work together towards normalising their relations and resolving their differences, including over Kashmir.

Forward to