NEWS RELEASES

March 23, 2000 (4:45 p.m. EST) No. 54

AXWORTHY CONDEMNS MASSACRE IN KASHMIR REGION

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today condemned the massacre of 35 men, members of the Sikh faith, by terrorists on March 21 at Chhattisinghpura, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

"Canada is deeply concerned with the increasing level of violence in the Kashmir region and calls on all parties in the dispute to end the violence," said Mr. Axworthy. "This terrible conflict, which has visited great misery on civilians of all faiths in the Kashmir area, must be resolved."

India and Pakistan each have claimed the entire Kashmir region since partition in 1947. India controls the southeastern portion, Jammu and Kashmir, while Pakistan controls the northwestern portion, Azad Kashmir. China administers an adjoining area, Aksai Chin, which is disputed by India.

"Killings such as those perpetrated at Chhattisinghpura only serve to lessen the potential for a political resolution to the dispute over Kashmir," Mr. Axworthy said.

"Canada believes that a lasting resolution can best be achieved through sustained bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan. We again urge both countries to resume their discussions of bilateral issues without delay, to negotiate in a spirit of compromise, and to respect the Line-of-Control," the Minister concluded.

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