UK Lib Dems attack Labour exploitation of Kashmir Dispute

11.20.57am GMT Mon 22nd Jan 2007

Andrew Duff MEP, UK Liberal Democrat Leader in the European Parliament, has today reacted to statements made by Richard Howitt and other Labour MEPs which seek to blame the Liberal Democrats for 'taking sides' in the dispute over Kashmir.

Commenting today, Duff said:

"Labour's attempt to make political capital out of a draft report to a parliamentary committee by Emma Nicholson MEP, is a sign of its desperation at Labour's loss of support among the British Muslim community following the US-UK attack on Iraq and its dreadful aftermath, and Britain's absence from peace making in the Lebanon.

"Liberal Democrat policy on Kashmir remains impartial. We continue to deplore the continuing political and humanitarian situation in Jammu and Kashmir, and urge all parties to make intensified efforts at conflict resolution under the auspices of the United Nations. Both Pakistan and India must de-escalate their military forces.

"As far as the European Union is concerned, we should do more to assist UN agencies and NGOs to monitor the situation with respect to human rights, to provide civil protection and to offer our services as an impartial mediator in the drive towards a durable and autonomous settlement for the Kashmiri people based on the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.

"It is clear that the draft report will be heavily revised not least on the strength of many amendments tabled by Lib Dem MEPs and by compromise amendments introduced by the rapporteur herself. That, Richard Howitt, is what parliamentary democracy is all about!"

ENDS