SG/SM/8441
18 October 2002

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES DECISION BY INDIA,
PAKISTAN ON PARTIAL TROOP WITHDRAWAL
FROM BORDER AREAS

NEW YORK, 17 October (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes the decision by India and Pakistan to carry out a partial withdrawal of troops from their border areas. He hopes that this reduction will result in a significant de-escalation of tensions in Kashmir. The Secretary-General reiterates his call on both sides to resume their bilateral dialogue with a view to resolving their differences by peaceful means.

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