DATE=9/22/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N - INDIA - PAKISTAN (L - ONLY)
NUMBER=2-254233
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: India and Pakistan are calling for a
resumption of peace talks between their two
governments but continue to blame each other for
existing tensions. The foreign ministers of the two
countries addressed the General Debate of the United
Nations General Assembly today (Wednesday). V-O-A's
U-N correspondent Max Ruston reports.
TEXT: There were several similarities in the
addresses given by the Indian and Pakistani foreign
ministers. They each accused each other of fueling
tension, violating peace agreements and triggering the
nuclear arms race in South Asia. They also each
expressed an eagerness to resume talks aimed at easing
tension.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Sartaj Aziz suggested an
international conference aimed at promoting restraint.
/// AZIZ ACT ///
Pakistan believes that it is now essential to
convene a conference, with the participation of
all the permanent members of the Security
Council, and other interested major powers, as
well as Pakistan and India, to promote the goals
of strategic restraint and stability in South
Asia.
/// END ACT ///
Concerning the dispute between India and Pakistan over
Kashmir, Mr. Aziz urged India to allow greater
international involvement by inviting international
human rights organizations into the disputed
territory.
Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh said his
government is eager to resume peace talks. But he did
not call for international intervention.
/// SINGH ACT ///
The path of the India-Pakistan composite
dialogue process is open. No preconditions
attend it. The only essential ingredient that
remains is an abjuring of violence and cross-
border terrorism; principles that are integral
to both the Simla Agreement and the Lahore
Declaration; indeed the very process of peace
itself. This process needs to be resumed.
/// END ACT ///
India has rejected most efforts to involve the
international community in the dispute, saying it is
purely a domestic affair. Pakistan says tensions
between the two countries threaten regional and world
stability and therefore should be open to
international assistance. (Signed)
NEB/MPR/TVM/PT
22-Sep-1999 20:46 PM LOC (23-Sep-1999 0046 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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