SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED BY RISING TENSION BETWEEN INDIA, PAKISTAN

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is increasingly concerned by the alarming rise in tension between India and Pakistan.� He is in close contact with the leaders of both sides, to encourage them to resolve their differences, including over Kashmir, by peaceful means.

The Secretary-General considers it essential that the logic and language of war be replaced by the logic and language of peace.� At the same time, he wishes to reiterate his unconditional condemnation of all acts of terrorism.� There can be no tolerance for such acts, especially across the Line of Control in Kashmir.� The Secretary-General accordingly urges President Musharraf to take vigorous action to ensure full implementation of the policy set out in his speech of

12 January.

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