Joint US UK Statement on the Violence in Kashmir

Joint United States - United Kingdom Statement on the Violence in Kashmir

Secretary Colin L. Powell and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw Washington, DC March 27, 2003

The United States and the United Kingdom strongly condemn the massacre of innocent civilians by terrorists in Kashmir on March 23. Nothing can justify such a vicious and cowardly act.

The United States and the United Kingdom condemn all terrorism wherever it occurs and whatever its purported justification. We will continue to work with our partners to eliminate this scourge. Violence will not solve Kashmir s problems. Pending the resolution of these problems, the LOC should be strictly respected and Pakistan should fulfill its commitments to stop infiltration across it. Pakistan should also do its utmost to discourage any acts of violence by militants in Kashmir. Both sides should consider immediately implementing a ceasefire and taking other active steps to reduce tension including by moves within the SAARC context. The differences between India and Pakistan can only be resolved through peaceful means and engagement.

The United States and the United Kingdom stand ready to help both countries start a process aimed at building confidence, normalizing bilateral relations and resolving outstanding differences, including Kashmir.

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Released on March 27, 2003

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