Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the situation between India and Pakistan

The Secretary-General warmly welcomes the series of reciprocal steps India and Pakistan have recently taken to ease tensions and improve bilateral relations. He hopes that these steps, starting with Prime Minister Vajpayee's statement on 18 April and Pakistan's positive response, will lead to the strengthening of peace and stability in the entire South Asian region.

The Secretary-General also hopes that the normalization of diplomatic relations and restoration of rail, road and air links, as well as other confidence-building measures being introduced by the two sides, will lead to the resumption of a sustained dialogue. He looks forward to the peaceful resolution of the differences between India and Pakistan, including over Kashmir.