Military

DATE=10/31/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PAKISTAN / INDIA / AFGHANISTAN / L-O

NUMBER=2-268662

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

INTERNET=YES

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Pakistan is urging India to reduce military tensions in the disputed Kashmir region. There has been an increase in exchange of gunfire and shelling between India and Pakistani troops along the cease-fire line that divides Kashmir. From Islamabad, Ayaz Gul reports.

TEXT: Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Riaz Mohammed Khan says India is responsible for the latest increase in tension in Kashmir. Mr. Khan told reporters several civilians have been killed by what he calls unprovoked Indian shelling.

//KHAN ACTUALITY//

There is an escalation of tension along the LoC ("line of control," cease-fire line in Kashmir). We have always maintained that there should be de-escalation and lowering of tensions because escalation can only aggravate the situation and will resolve nothing.

//END ACTUALITY//

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over the Himalayan region of Kashmir since both countries gained independence from Britain in 1947. The rival nations came close to a third war last year, when Pakistan-backed forces crossed the cease-fire line and briefly occupied key highlands on the Indian side of Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani spokesman says his country will not allow the United States to cross its air space to attack alleged terrorist Osama bin Laden's headquarters in Afghanistan. He says Pakistan will make an international protest, if Washington carries out such an attack. The spokesman urged the United States to deal directly with authorities in Afghanistan, on the subject of bin Laden.

//KHAN ACTUALITY//

If any government has any problem in relation to Afghanistan, then that problem should be discussed with the government of Afghanistan. Initiation of violence (a reference to possible American attack) will only aggravate matters and complicate the situation.

//END ACTUALITY//

Osama bin Laden lives in parts of Afghanistan which are controlled by the ruling Taleban Islamic movement. The United States accuses the Taleban of promoting international terrorism by providing shelter to bin Laden.

Two years ago, U-S warships fired Cruise missiles at camps in Afghanistan it thought were run by bin Laden. Pakistan protested to the United States over the attack, which failed to hit the Saudi-born Islamic militant.

The United States accuses bin Laden of the 1998 bombing of two U-S embassies in Africa. He has been named as a suspect in this month's suicide attack on a U-S destroyer in Yemen that killed 17 American sailors. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG / wd