Brussels, 16/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - The private multi-national association, International Crisis Group (ICG), whose Chairman is former Finnish President, Martti Ahtisaari, and which monitors and attempts to contain conflicts across the world, considers that tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir are likely to provoke an escalation in the violence. In his report, "Kashmir, Confrontation and Miscalculation", the ICG identifies how both sides have sought to use the US-proclaimed 'global war on terrorism' to their own tactical advantage. According to the report Assembly elections in Indian-controlled Kashmir scheduled for October 2002 will likely trouble relations further. Samina Ahmed, Director of the ICG project believes that immediate measures are needed for placating the situation and creating a real diplomatic area, as well as in the long term, "the restoration of genuine democracy in Pakistan" and "progress from New Delhi in favour of political autonomy for Kashmiris."