Former PM Chaudhry discusses Kashmir developments with Liz Lynne MEP

7.24.25pm GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

Liz Lynne discussed the latest situation in Kashmir with former PM Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry at the European Parliament.

Prospects for encouraging improved dialogue between Kashmiris, the Pakistan government and India and the role of the EU were discussed at a meeting of Lib Dem Euro MP Liz Lynne and former Kashmir Prime Minister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry at the European Parliament.

The West Midlands MEP, a long time campaigner for justice in Kashmir, met Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry at a meeting in the Parliament at Brussels.

During the meeting Liz Lynne asked for his views on the current economic and political situation, especially in the light of recent reports of continued human rights violations in the area occupied by India and claims of Taliban infiltration in some parts of the territory.

Afterwards, Liz Lynne, said:

"We had a useful and wideranging discussion. As President of the Liberal Democrat friends of Kashmir and as a member of the European Parliament Delegation to Southern Asian Countries I am continuing to work for positive steps towards a just solution which involves the Kashmiri people.

"The EU and its new high representative do have a role to play in promoting dialogue and confidence. Although violence has greatly declined in the territory since the peace treaty of 2004, progress and communications have been more difficult since the Mumbai terror attacks.

"Kashmir has slipped out of the Western media headlines, but the continued human rights violations and injustice means that this crisis remains as big a threat to peace as ever. It is very important that momentum is regained."

ENDS