Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's view of recent developments in relation to Kashmir. [19701/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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India and Pakistan have made significant progress over the last few years to improve their relations and I welcome the progress that has been achieved. The ongoing talks within the Composite Dialogue Framework to move forward the peace process are significant, although clearly differences remain between the two sides. I hope that both countries will continue to work together towards a peaceful, negotiated final settlement.

One of the most visible signs of cooperation has been the opening of crossing points along what is referred to as the "Line of Control" and the re-establishment of a number of transport links. On 7 April 2005, for the first time in sixty years, a bus service operated between Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir State and Muzaffarabad in Kashmir.

President Musharraf undertook a successful visit to India from 16 to 18 April 2005. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the Pakistan and Indian Prime Ministers determined that the peace process was "irreversible". Significantly, both sides agreed to continue discussions on Kashmir "in a sincere and purposeful and forward-looking manner for a final settlement". They expressed their determination to work together to carry forward the process and to bring the benefit of peace to their people. They also pledged they would not allow terrorism to impede the peace process.

The earthquake on 8 October last had a devastating effect on the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. The efforts made by both Governments to reach agreement on opening crossing points along the Line of Control to enable aid to reach survivors and to reunite families were obviously positive.

In January 2006, the Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan met in New Delhi to begin the third round of talks under the Composite Dialogue framework. Their discussions focused on peace and security, including a detailed exchange on the Kashmir issue. Both sides reiterated their resolve to carry forward the peace process and maintain its momentum.

While progress is for India and Pakistan to make between them, Ireland and other members of the international community would, of course, be willing to offer any assistance or advice they might jointly request.