BRUSSELS, May 28: Senior European Union diplomats on Monday welcomed President Pervez Musharraf’s pledge that no infiltration was taking place across the Line of Control in Kashmir and urged both Pakistan and India to take immediate steps to reduce escalating tensions.

“The EU’s key message to both Pakistan and India is that restraint must be the order of the day,” Christina Gallach, spokeswoman for EU security chief Javier Solana told Dawn.

“Dialogue must prevail — that is our message before and after President Musharraf’s speech,” Gallach added.

EU diplomats said they welcomed three “positive” elements in the President’s address, including his commitment to hold elections as promised in October and a declaration that no infiltration was taking place across the LoC in Kashmir.

“We hope this is the case,” said a senior diplomat.

The EU also welcomed the President’s assertion that Pakistan had no intention of launching a war against India, the diplomat said, adding: “We think it is important that the President says this.”