Kashmir Report Changed Substantially

4.09.44pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 24th May 2007

Sharon Bowles MEP with Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Sardar Attique Khan, and Sajjad Karim MEP

Lib Dem South East MEP Sharon Bowles, today welcomed the European Parliament's vote on a considerably changed report on Kashmir.

Speaking after the vote in plenary in Strasbourg today, Sharon Bowles said: "I welcome the adoption today of a significantly amended report, at least we now have mention of the people of Kashmir's right to self determination, something I have always called for.

"Now is not the time for backward, static thinking. At this crucial stage, all options should be on the table for the parties to negotiate, with full involvement of the Kashmiri people.

"I would have liked to have gone further and called for a plebiscite with the three options available for the Kashmiri people: being part of Pakistan, India or independence, in line with amendments tabled by the Liberal and Democrat Group. Plebiscites are tried and tested tools for peoples to exercise their established right to self determination."

Sajjad Karim, Chairman of the European Parliament Friends of Pakistan Group and European Parliament Rapporteur on EU-India Relations, added: "As Liberals, our bottom line for this resolution is to support the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination. It is a right guaranteed by the UN and one which the EU has a duty to respect and protect.

"Our amendments sought to retain such a balance and ensure the Kashmiri people are at the heart of this European Parliament Resolution.

"The EU must support the positive ideas coming forward from India and Pakistan. We must insist that these concrete proposals are explored through full consultation with the Kashmiri people. This must be a democratic process and -- when the conditions are right - we must support the Kashmiri's desire for a democratic plebiscite."

Ends