NEWS RELEASES

July 6, 2001 (9:10 a.m. EDT) No. 96

CANADA WELCOMES INDIA-PAKISTAN PEACE INITIATIVE

John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific), today welcomed the decision by India and Pakistan to begin discussions aimed at resolving long-standing disputes in the region, including settlement of the Kashmir issue.

"Canada welcomes efforts by both parties to defuse tensions and to resolve bilateral disputes peacefully," said Mr. Manley. "The decision by the Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Pakistan President, General Pervez Musharraf, to meet, is an important step in the right direction. Canada urges both countries to move forward with this dialogue in a spirit of co-operation and goodwill."

The two leaders are scheduled to hold talks when President Musharraf visits India from July 14 to 16.

"The recent détente between India and Pakistan is very encouraging," said Dr. Pagtakhan. "Canada welcomes the fact that both countries are willing to engage in dialogue on difficult issues. We also commend both sides for continuing to show restraint along the Line of Control."

Kashmir, a region on the northern borders of both India and Pakistan, has been the biggest single irritant between India and Pakistan since the two nations gained their independence in 1947. Both nations claim sovereignty over the entire Kashmir region and have fought two wars over the area, which is currently divided by a Line of Control. Canada supports a peacefully negotiated solution to the dispute that would take into account the interests of the Kashmiri people, improve human rights in the region and end all acts of terrorism.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sanjeev Chowdhury

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Stephanie Ashton

Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)

(613) 995-2742

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874