NEW DELHI, Dec 6: The European Union’s foreign policy chief Javier Solana expressed hope on Saturday that peace moves between Pakistan and India were a step to addressing the legitimate aspirations of the people of Kashmir.

In an op-ed piece in The Times of India, Mr Solana welcomed the ceasefire on the Line of Control, initiated by Pakistan and in place since Nov 26.

“The Indian government’s positive response to this announcement will help build greater confidence and trust between Pakistan and India and demonstrate both sides’ commitment to addressing the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiris,” he wrote.

His remarks follow a Nov 28-29 summit in New Delhi between India and the European Union that focused on commercial cooperation and sought to put aside past differences over Kashmir.

At the previous summit in Copenhagen in October last year, Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee disagreed openly with his host, Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who urged talks between India and Pakistan.—AFP