EUP welcomes CBMs between India, Pak

Islamabad, Dec 19 (UNI) The Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between India and Pakistan has been welcomed by the European Union Parliament (EUP).

''The EUP also supports the proposals made by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on the withdrawal of troops from Kashmir,'' said Neena Gill, who is heading a EUP delegation here, said yesterday.

Ms Gill, who met the Chairman of Special Committee of Parliament on Kashmir Hamid Nasir Chattha praised an understanding reached between both the nations to promote bilateral trade and commerce.

Other members of the delegation said composite dialogue and CBMs should continue between New Delhi and Islamabad because it would normalise Indo-Pak relations, Daily Times reported.

Ms Gill said her team had discussed the Kashmir issue with Mr Chattha, adding that Europe wanted peace in the region.

She said voting in the EUP on Kashmir has been deferred until the delegation submits its report on the issue following Pakistan's visit.

Mr Chattha urged the EU parliamentarians to influence India to talk seriously about Kashmir.

''If India withdraws troops from Kashmir and repeals Kashmir-specific ''draconian'' laws, the militancy in the area will ease,'' he said.

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