Brussels, 11/12/2000 (Agence Europe) - The French Presidency issued the following declaration on behalf of the EU:
"The European Union welcomes the recent decision by the Indian authorities to declare a unilateral ceasefire in Kashmir throughout Ramadhan. The Union is likewise pleased to note Pakistan's statement that it would exercise "maximum restraint" along the line of control. Such encouraging moves will make for a calmer atmosphere conducive to efforts to find a peaceful solution, in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri population concerned.
The European Union remains convinced that, if such a peaceful solution, being the only kind conceivable, is to be achieved, a stop must be put to terrorist acts, the line of control must be strictly observed and confidence-building and security measures must be implemented, in order for dialogue between the parties concerned to resume, in keeping with the Lahore spirit. The European Union therefore calls upon all parties to show the utmost moderation on the ground, honour their undertakings, consider fresh confidence-building measures and resolutely, acting entirely in good faith, engage in sincere, constructive dialogue.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration".