Liberals support Kashmiri right to a plebiscite

6.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 16th May 2007

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford, vice-chair of the European Parliament's human rights sub-committee, has co-authored an amendment to a European Parliament report on Kashmir stressing the right of the Kashmiri people to exercise their right to self-determination through a plebiscite.

This and other amendments have been backed by the European Parliament's Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) group to which she belongs. Sarah worked with fellow Liberal Democrat MEPs Liz Lynne and Sajjad Karim, both long-term campaigners for a peaceful resolution on Kashmir.

Sarah Ludford said:

"As Liberals and Democrats, we must support the Kashmiri people's right to self determination. All options should be on the table for the parties to negotiate, with full involvement of the Kashmiri people. A plebiscite should be considered, with the three options available for the Kashmiri people of being part of Pakistan, part of India or independent."

"A balanced and constructive European Parliament resolution could add real momentum to the positive moves already being made by India and Pakistan. These Liberal Democrat amendments seek to retain such balance and ensure the Kashmiri people are at its heart.

"Europe should be encouraging India and Pakistan to talk, but the only way that we can achieve a just and lasting solution is by allowing the Kashmiri people to be at the forefront of the process. It is their political aspirations and human rights that the European Union has a duty to highlight and protect."