Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=1/24/2002

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-285617

TITLE= CQ PAK / ANNAN (L)

BYLINE=PATRICIA NUNAN

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

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INTRO: United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has repeated his call

for Pakistan and India to engage in military de-escalation along their tense border. Mr. Annan says dialogue is the only way to find a sustainable resolution to the long-running dispute over Kashmir, which has caused two wars between India and Pakistan. Patricia Nunan reports from Islamabad.

TEXT: At a news conference in the Pakistani capital, U-N Secretary General

Kofi Annan said there is an immediate need for Pakistan and India to

withdraw most of the hundreds of thousands of troops facing each other along their common border. In addition, Mr. Annan wants both nations to make a sustained effort to resolve their differences over the disputed region of Kashmir.

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What is needed are two things: sustained and determined action against

extremist armed groups of the kind announced by President Musharraf, and an

equally sustained and determined dialogue between Pakistan and India to

resolve their differences by peaceful means.

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Mr. Annan also praised Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's decision to

crackdown on Islamic extremist groups.

India has accused Pakistan of supporting Pakistan-based militants of carrying out attacks on Indian soil.

On Tuesday, unknown gunmen attacked the U-S Cultural Center in the Indian

city, Calcutta, further fueling tensions. Pakistan has dismissed the

suggestion that its intelligence service was involved in the attack.

Speaking at the same news conference as the U-N Secretary General, Pakistani Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar says the situation along the border remains precarious.

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While we have noted the prevalent perception of diplomatic and political de-escalation, there is unfortunately little change so far in the concentration of forces on the ground.

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Mr. Sattar says Pakistan would be willing to withdraw some of its forces from the border if India were also to do so. He also says Pakistan is ready to meet India at the negotiating table, either one-on-one or through the United Nations.

India has consistently rejected the idea of bringing a mediator into talks with Pakistan to settle the Kashmir dispute.

The Secretary General will not be visiting India this week, because of

scheduling problems. He is expected to visit the Afghan capital Kabul on

Friday. (signed)

Neb/PN/KBK