November 25, 2003	Tuesday	Ramazan 29, 1424

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UNITED NATIONS, Nov 24: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Monday hailed a ceasefire breakthrough in Kashmir.

“The secretary general warmly welcomes the announcement by Pakistan of its decision to implement a unilateral ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir... and India’s positive response to the offer,” a spokesman said.

“He is encouraged by recent efforts by the two countries to build confidence in their relations and to address outstanding problems.”

The spokesman said Annan was also “following with interest the recent proposal by India of a number of confidence-building measures and Pakistan’s response to them.”

Annan urged both sides “to continue these efforts with patience and resolve.”

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw also welcomed the ceasefire announcement by Pakistan, and the positive response given to it by India.—Agencies