H. whereas the joint India-Pakistan communiqué on Kashmir issued at the conclusion of President Musharraf's visit to India in April 2005 has helped to strengthen the process of rapprochement between the two countries, in particular by reaffirming the irreversibility of the peace process and focussing on a non-military solution to the Kashmir conflict,

15. Expresses its hope that the terrible catastrophe, which struck the Kashmiri people hardest of all, may bear the positive fruit of bringing the survivors closer to peace, free movement and prosperity in the near future; applauds the governments of India and Pakistan for recent first steps towards reconciliation, which for the first time included the Kashmiris directly in the process, and very much hopes that this is the beginning of a steady process towards peace; calls therefore on the Indian and Pakistani governments to continue with the process that should, while involving the population concerned, lead to a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue;

to pay particular attention to the India-Pakistan Dialogue, in particular the Kashmir issue, taking into account the conclusions of the EP-Delegation visit to both parts of Kashmir from 8 to 11 December 2003 and from 20 to 24 June 2004;

The continuing tensions between India and Pakistan (and the imperative need to encourage progress towards nuclear disarmament, and the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue), as well as the threat to regional stability posed by terrorism, religious fundamentalism and ethnic conflict (notably for Afghanistan and Sri Lanka), illustrate the importance of political and security issues in the Sub-Continent.

6. Is convinced that the EU should commit itself to contribute to an economic upturn in the region, once a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue has been reached;

A lasting settlement to the Kashmir issue can only be achieved through an inclusive dialogue, involving the Kashmiri people.