European Parliament resolution on Jammu and Kashmir
C 377/362 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 29. 12. 2000 Thursday 16 March 2000 14. Human rights: Jammu and Kashmir B5-0250, 0258, 0283 and 0285/2000 European Parliament resolution on Jammu and Kashmir The European Parliament, having regard to its previous resolutions on the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, A. whereas the Kashmir and Jammu conflict remains unresolved since 1947, B. C. concerned about the recent rise in tension in the region which has been aggravated by the fact that both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers, condemning the continuing violations of human rights in Kashmir, due in part to activities of cross- border terrorists who systematically attack defenceless civilians, D. whereas its Members discussed the issue of Kashmir with US Congress Members in the framework of their regular contacts on 14 January 2000, Underlines the growing danger in South Asia of a lack of progress in resolving the outstanding issue, 1. between India and Pakistan, of Jammu and Kashmir; 2. Calls on India and Pakistan to refrain from any provocation and to respect strictly the Line of Control in order to create an atmosphere conducive to talks about all outstanding issues between India and Paki- stan, including Kashmir and involving the population concerned; Calls on both parties to create the conditions for meaningful bilateral talks, considering for this pur- 3. pose also international support or mediation if necessary, involving the United Nations, and to recapture the spirit that in February 1999 led to the Lahore Declaration issued by the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan; Instructs its own Delegation, on its visit to India, and asks Commissioner Patten, in formulating EU 4. policy towards South Asia, to make every effort to promote the process of reconciliation between India and Pakistan; Instructs its Committee for Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy to 5. report on the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir including an historic account of the issue; Is convinced that the EU should commit itself to contribute to an economic upturn in the region, 6. once a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue has been reached; Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Governments of 7. India and Pakistan and the UN Secretary-General