October 11, 2002	Friday	Sha'aban 4, 1423

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NEW YORK, Oct 10: The United States on Thursday called on India and Pakistan “to make strenuous effort towards an early resumption of diplomatic dialogue on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.”

In a statement issued at the daily press briefing on the conclusion of elections in Kashmir, US State Department’s spokesman Richard Boucher, stressed that “a lasting settlement, which also reflects the needs of the Kashmiri people, can only be achieved through dialogue.”

Reiterating that “the United States and the international community will continue to make every effort to help India and Pakistan resolve their differences,” Boucher underscored that the elections in Kashmir “will be the first step in a broader process that will bring peace to the region.”

Applauding the holding of elections, he observed that “the Kashmiri people have always shown they want to pursue the path of peace.”

ELECTION HAILED: The United States said on Thursday that it regarded Pakistan’s elections as an “important milestone” on the road to democracy.

In a written statement, US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher called the polls a “welcome” development.

“This is an important milestone in Pakistan’s ongoing transition to democracy,” said Boucher, in a written answer to a question taken at his daily press briefing.

“We will continue to watch this process closely, and are committed to remaining engaged with Pakistan throughout its transition,” he said.

On Wednesday, Human Rights Watch, called the entire election process deeply flawed, saying that the parliamentary vote is stacked against democratic rule.