May 25, 2002	Saturday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 12,1423

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ISLAMABAD, May 24: Japan on Friday called on India to act responsibly and heed to international community’s call for de-escalation of tension over Kashmir issue.

In a statement by Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, issued by the Japanese Embassy, she expressed indignation at terrorism and said as major player in the region, India should respond to the appeal of the international community.

She called upon India “to work towards de-escalation as well as resumption of dialogue,” adding Delhi should “exhaust all diplomatic efforts” towards this end.

Pakistan, she said, had been expressing a firm stance against terrorism but hoped that it would take all steps “to effectively stop and prevent terrorist activities, including infiltration into the Line of control.

“Japan condemns anew the outrageous terrorist attack on May 14 in an army cantonment in Kashmir and firmly maintains its position that terrorism of any kind can never be justified.”

She said the government of Japan was gravely concerned about the recent heightening of tension between India and Pakistan, and the risk of its development into military conflict.

Japan, she said, has continuously made appeals to India and Pakistan since the tension rose between the two countries last year, and intends to continue to step up its efforts.—APP