Possibilities for reinforcing peace and stability in Kashmir will be discussed at the 'Global Discourse on Kashmir', a two-day gathering of politicians, academics, diplomats, journalists from India, Pakistan and both sides of Kashmir which begins tomorrow at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The event is hosted by Mr. James Elles MEP, Conservative Chairman of the All Party Group for Kashmir in conjunction with the Brussels-based Human Rights Commission Kashmir Centre. Mr Elles said:
"Given the significant peace process undertaken by the governments of Pakistan and India, including the ceasefire at the Line of Control, the bus service, and most importantly, introducing creative initiatives aiming at the demilitarization of Jammu and Kashmir as a first step, the aim of the proposed Global Discourse is to give support to these initiatives. It is also aimed at discussing important issues agreed by the European Parliament in its resolution on Kashmir passed on 24 May 2007."
"The delegates include Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Shah Ghulam Qadir, Speaker of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and Aga Hassan Badgami, Executive member, All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Srinagar. The event has also attracted a cross-party group of UK MEPs."
Philip Bushill-Matthews MEP, who is delivering the conference's closing address, said:
"This event enables us to keep the light shining on a country ravaged by three wars over the past six decades and devastated by the earthquake that claimed 75,000 lives in 2005. We will help in any way we can to help and support all stakeholders to build a future based on peace and justice in the region. It will take time and patience, but we will be there for you as long as it takes."