SG/SM/8790
24 July 2003

SECRETARY-GENERAL “DEEPLY CONCERNED” BY INCREASED
VIOLENCE IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR; URGES RESTRAINT
BY THOSE CONCERNED

 

NEW YORK, 23 July (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the increase in violence in Jammu and Kashmir in the past two days and expresses his condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. 

The Secretary-General reiterates his condemnation of all acts of terrorism.  At the same time, he urges those concerned to exercise restraint following these tragic incidents and encourages the Governments of India and Pakistan to continue their recent efforts to resolve their differences peacefully through normalization of diplomatic relations, confidence-building measures and renewed dialogue.

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