Brian O'Shea
Question:99 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's views on the continuing conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20874/99]
Written Answers. - Conflict in Kashmir.
As I indicated in reply to Priority Question No. 35 on Pakistan today, the Government is gravely concerned at the situation there, not least because of the resulting increase in tensions in the region. Kashmir is one of the primary causes of such tension, given the history of conflict with India over it, and the military clashes provoked by Pakistan earlier this year. This tension is further compounded by the nuclear capability which both India and Pakistan demonstrated last year.
The clashes in Kashmir this year occurred despite the promise of dialogue in the earlier Lahore declaration by both countries. Although some prospect of further dialogue with India remained while the Government of Mr. Sharif was still in power, the overthrow of his Government by the Pakistani military last week now places a serious question mark over this.
I am also concerned at reports suggesting that the fact that Mr Sharif had withdrawn the military from Kashmir after these clashes may have been one of the reasons for the military coup. I further note with concern that the announcement by the Pakistani military of their intention to withdraw troops along the border with India does not include the "line of separation" in Kashmir.
The declaration on Pakistan which the Special European Council issued in Tampere, underlined the need for continuing dialogue with India in order to resolve the tensions of the sub-continent, and also the need for both countries to adhere to the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.
I can assure the Deputy that I and my EU colleagues will be following developments in this region very closely.