M A I N   N E W S

UK willing to mediate: Straw
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, Sept 5 — The British Government has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to resolve the vexed Kashmir issue provided both countries agree to it.

This was stated by Mr Jack Straw, British Home Secretary, while talking to mediapersons at the Golden Temple here today. He said, “Britain is willing to provide the lead to resolve the issue.”

Although the British Home Secretary condemned terrorism, he refused to describe Pakistan a “terrorist state.” He said England favoured a peaceful solution to all outstanding problems between India and Pakistan.

Mr Straw said he had wanted India to sign the comprehensive test ban treaty (CTBT). He had raised the issue with his counterpart in Delhi yesterday. He said India should lead other nations in signing the treaty.

Mr Straw, at an impromptu press conference at the Golden Temple information office, said his government had relaxed visa restrictions for Indian tourists and almost 90 per cent of the applicants were granted visas without any problem. He felt since a large number of Punjabis lived in the UK country, he was in favour of further relaxing the restrictions.

On the extradition treaty between India and the UK, Mr Straw said there were some “problem areas” which his government was trying to sort out. He was, however, hopeful that a comprehensive and a more helpful treaty would be prepared to enable the UK to deport persons with a criminal background and those indulging in anti-India activities.

The Home Secretary pointed out that a joint working group had been set up after his talks with the Indian Home Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, in New Delhi yesterday. The modalities would be set in to motion in October in this year when an Indian delegation would visit London.

The British Government felt the need to check the misuse of visa based on bogus marriages by Indian origin migrants. He said his department was looking into the entire gamut of migration rules and wished to further relax norms for tourist traffic.

Answering a question on the opening of British Consulate in the region, Mr Straw said his country was examining the possibility of opening its office at Chandigarh.