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25/11/2003
New Kashmir ceasefire deal welcomed by UN
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has today "warmly" welcomed Pakistan's decision to implement a unilateral ceasefire in Kashmir.
The ceasefire runs along the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir, and comes into effect from the Muslim festival of Eid Al-Fitr – which signifies the end of the Ramadan – beginning today.
Mr Annan said he was "encouraged" by recent efforts by the two countries to build confidence in their relations and to address outstanding problems.
A spokesman for Mr Annan said that the Secretary-General urged both countries to "continue these efforts with patience and resolve".
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw also "warmly welcomed" the move, saying that the proposals would help to build "greater confidence and trust between Pakistan and India and demonstrate both sides' commitment to addressing the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiris.
"I very much hope that both governments will continue to work together towards normalising their relations and resolving their differences, including on Kashmir," he added.
Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since the two countries won independence from the UK more than 50 years ago.
The two countries, both nuclear powers, have gone to war over Kashmir on two occasions since independence in 1947 – the last being in 1965. But tensions have been running high between the two neighbouring countries since two car bombs in Bombay killed 52 people last August.
Previously Islamic extremists attacked the Delhi parliament killing 12 people in December 2001.
India claimed that the militants came from Pakistan which, they said, was doing little to crack down on terror groups within its borders.
Since then, troops and tanks have been poured into the mountainous region prompting regular exchanges of artillery fire.
(gmcg)
The ceasefire runs along the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir, and comes into effect from the Muslim festival of Eid Al-Fitr – which signifies the end of the Ramadan – beginning today.
Mr Annan said he was "encouraged" by recent efforts by the two countries to build confidence in their relations and to address outstanding problems.
A spokesman for Mr Annan said that the Secretary-General urged both countries to "continue these efforts with patience and resolve".
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw also "warmly welcomed" the move, saying that the proposals would help to build "greater confidence and trust between Pakistan and India and demonstrate both sides' commitment to addressing the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiris.
"I very much hope that both governments will continue to work together towards normalising their relations and resolving their differences, including on Kashmir," he added.
Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since the two countries won independence from the UK more than 50 years ago.
The two countries, both nuclear powers, have gone to war over Kashmir on two occasions since independence in 1947 – the last being in 1965. But tensions have been running high between the two neighbouring countries since two car bombs in Bombay killed 52 people last August.
Previously Islamic extremists attacked the Delhi parliament killing 12 people in December 2001.
India claimed that the militants came from Pakistan which, they said, was doing little to crack down on terror groups within its borders.
Since then, troops and tanks have been poured into the mountainous region prompting regular exchanges of artillery fire.
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
