§ 22. Colin BurgonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the current state of the relationship between India and Pakistan. [157434]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe warmly welcome the 18 February announcement that India and Pakistan have agreed an agenda and a timetable for substantive talks to commence after the Indian General Election. This consolidates the breakthrough announced by President Musharraf and Prime Minister Vajpayee in January, and shows the willingness of both countries to address each other's concerns through peaceful engagement. We appreciate that there will be no quick or easy solutions, but wish both governments well and hope that the talks will be sustained and, in due course, lead to the resolution of all their outstanding differences, including over Kashmir.