Annan welcomes Pakistan's offer of Kashmir truce

Annan welcomes Pakistan's offer of Kashmir truce and India's positive response

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today "warmly" welcomed Pakistan's decision to implement a unilateral ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, with effect from the Muslim festival of Eid Al-Fitr beginning tomorrow, and India's positive response to the offer.

"He is encouraged by recent efforts by the two countries to build confidence in their relations and to address outstanding problems," Mr. Annan said in a statement released by his spokesman, in which he offered his own help.

"The Secretary-General is following with interest the recent proposal by India of a number of confidence-building measures and Pakistan's response to them," the statement added. "He urges the two countries to continue these efforts with patience and resolve. The Secretary-General remains at their disposal to assist in any way they consider mutually beneficial."

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since the two countries won independence from the United Kingdom more than 50 years ago.

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