Pakistani envoy defends meeting with Kashmiris
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 20 August 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pakistani envoy defends meeting with Kashmiris, 20 August 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54003f3b14.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 20, 2014
Pakistan's ambassador to India has defended his recent talks with Kashmiri separatists, saying the only way to find a lasting peace is to include them in the dialogue.
Ambassador Abdul Basit made the remarks in New Delhi on August 20, two days after India canceled a meeting of foreign secretaries scheduled for next week in Islamabad.
India said Basit undermined efforts to improve relations between New Delhi and Islamabad.
New Delhi had tolerated such meetings in the past, suggesting that India's new government is taking a harder line over the disputed Kashmir region.
Two of India's three wars with Pakistan since gaining independence from Britain in 1947 were over Kashmir.
Both countries control parts of the Himalayan region and claim it in its entirety.
The dispute is at the heart of lingering animosity between the two countries.
Based on reporting by AP and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
