DATE=8/31/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=PAKISTAN/INDIA/KASHMIR (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-266017
BYLINE=AYAZ GUL
DATELINE=ISLAMABAD
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Pakistan is urging India to de-escalate
tensions in the disputed region of Kashmir. Ayaz Gul
reports from Islamabad there has been an increase in
cross-border shelling along the cease-fire line in
Kashmir, with many people killed and wounded.
TEXT: A Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman, Riaz
Mohammed Khan, says his country has been consistently
exercising restraint in Kashmir. But he says it is not
the responsibility of Pakistan alone to do so.
//KHAN ACT-ONE//
There has been an escalation of tension and
violations on the part of the Indian side. We
believe that there should be de-escalation along
the Line of Control (in Kashmir) and India must
also show restraint and act with a sense of
responsibility so that the tensions are brought
down.
//END ACT//
Mr. Riaz says Pakistan has received the bodies of two
of its soldiers who were killed in a recent clash on
the Line of Control that divides Kashmir
between India and Pakistan. However, he says India
refused to accept the body of its soldier, which
Indian authorities say was highly mutilated and
decomposed.
//KHAN ACT-TWO//
There is absolutely no question of mutilation on
our part. These are tendentious allegations,
which we reject.
//END ACT//
India says at least 10 Pakistani soldiers were killed
in the incident. Pakistan does not agree with the
casualty figures and accuses India of launching the
attack on its positions in Kashmir.
The countries have fought two wars over Kashmir, which
remains a major source of tension in the region. India
and Pakistan are preparing to take part in the United
Nations Millennium Summit on the theme of peace and
development in New York from September 6-8. Pakistan's
military leader General Pervez Musharraf and Indian
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee are due to attend
the summit but they are not scheduled to meet each
other.(SIGNED)
NEB/AG/FC
31-Aug-2000 09:31 AM EDT (31-Aug-2000 1331 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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